Covid-19: First Delta variant case detected in Sibu

SIBU: The sole Delta variant case detected here so far involves an Indonesian illegal immigrant who entered Sarawak on July 5.

The Sibu divisional disaster management committee said in a statement on Wednesday (July 21) that the patient tested positive for Covid-19.

"He has been confined to Hospital Sibu since July 7," the committee said.

"Preliminary screening showed that he was infected with a Covid-19 variant and samples were sent to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) for confirmation testing."

The committee said it was subsequently informed by Unimas that the sample was of the Delta variant.

It added that another illegal immigrant who had close contact with the patient tested negative.

Two locals who also had close contact with the patient tested negative as well.

All three were placed in a quarantine centre for 21 days and police are investigating the illegals, the committee added.

It urged the people of Sibu to stay vigilant and observe standard operating procedures of always wearing face masks, practising physical distancing and avoiding crowded places even after being vaccinated.

The people were also reminded not to hire illegal foreign workers.