Covid-19: 7 new cases recorded in Sarawak, brings total number to 58

KUCHING: Sarawak recorded seven new Covid-19 cases on Friday (March 20), bringing the total in the state to 58.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (pic) said all new cases were from Kuching and currently being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here.

He said four cases were linked to the Sri Petaling mosque cluster and two to a local church cluster, while the infection source of one case was still being investigated.

A pastor from Emmanuel Baptist Church who died on March 17 was the first Covid-19 fatality in the country.

"The SGH laboratory is working hard on all outstanding test results. From a total 714 persons under investigation (PUI), 58 have tested positive," Uggah said.

He also said the state disaster management committee had decided that all fast food outlets and supermarkets must close at 8pm effective Saturday (March 21).

However, convenience stores and fuel stations can continue to operate normally.

In addition, Uggah said the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) would assist the committee to carry out digital tracking of those undergoing self-quarantine at home.

"We have also asked them to do digital mapping to identify Covid-19 infection hotspots so that the public will know which areas in Sarawak are considered hotspots.

"This will help to prevent Covid-19 from continuing to spread," he said.