Covid-19: Sarawak's all-time high of 5,291 cases on Sunday (Sept 12) includes five-day backlog, more rapid test kits to be deployed

SIBU: Sarawak recorded an all-time high of 5,291 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday (Sept 12) but its health authorities have pointed out that there is a reporting backlog of up to five days in many instances.

This brings the state's cumulative case count to 156,798.

Sarawak Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed said in a statement that for the eighth consecutive day since Sept 5, the number of daily cases exceeded 3,000.

He said the 5,291 new cases were detected from 28,065 tests.

"The rate of positive cases is at 18.8%, which is an increase from the state's previous average of 14.5%. This indicates that infection is happening widely in the community," he added.

Dr Mohamed Sapian attributed the increase in daily cases to high contact detection activity in all parts of the state, especially in localities that have ongoing clusters.

He said the high number of samples had overwhelmed laboratory capacity and extended the period required to obtain test results.

"This caused results from samples being overdue for up to five days.

"Though there is a backlog in obtaining results, all at-risk contacts (of those tested) have been given a home surveillance order to prevent the infection from spreading to the community," he added.

Breaking down the new cases, he said 99.9% were under Categories One (no symptoms) and Two (mild symptoms.)

Dr Mohamed Sapian gave an assurance that the department is constantly monitoring and assessing the Covid-19 situation in the state.

"Improvements are being implemented according to the current situation. Rapid antigen test kits will be used more widely throughout the state to identify positive cases speedily so that immediate control measures can be taken," he said.

He pointed out that a detailed strategy will be announced soon after discussions with the state disaster management committee and Health Ministry.

He advised the public to continue to adhere to standard operating procedures such as the wearing of face masks and observing physical distancing at all times.