Covid-19: ICU capacity in Sarawak at critical levels, number of cases still rising

KUCHING: The number of Covid-19 fatalities in Sarawak has been rising since March, with the state recording an average of three deaths per day in May alone, says acting state Health director Dr Rosemawati Ariffin.

She said a total of 74 deaths were reported from May 1 to 24, compared to 29 deaths in March, an average of one per day.

This rose to 69 deaths in April, which is equivalent to an average of two deaths daily.

"As of today, there are 83 Covid-19 cases in critical condition in intensive care units (ICU), including 32 who need ventilators.

"The ICU capacity in Sarawak is now at a critical level," she said in a statement Tuesday (May 25).

Dr Rosemawati also said Covid-19 cases continued to rise in Sarawak with more than 300 cases reported daily since April 11.

The state's cumulative tally up to May 24 stands at 42,813 cases, with 255 deaths.

She said the number of daily cases increased significantly following the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, with 3,272 cases in total detected from May 9 to 15.

This rose to 3,642 cases the following week from May 16 to 22, or an average of 596 a day.

"Most of the positive cases detected during that week were close contacts of Covid-19 cases linked to Hari Raya visits.

"The clusters involved include the Taman Sourabaya Indah and Jalan Jambatan Gantung clusters in Kuching.

"Kabong district also reported an increase in Covid-19 cases involving relatives who visited one another during Hari Raya," she said.

Dr Rosemawati reminded the public to adhere to the standard operating procedures at all times, especially wearing masks, observing personal hygiene and maintaining physical distancing.

For the coming Gawai celebration, she urged Sarawakians not to travel across districts to go back to their villages or longhouses.

"Love your families and protect the elderly in villages or longhouses by not bringing back the Covid-19 virus. The sacrifice you make will protect yourself and your loved ones," she said.