Delta still the dominant Covid-19 variant in Sarawak, genomic sequencing shows

KUCHING: The Delta variant continues to be the dominant Covid-19 variant in Sarawak, as confirmed through genomic sequencing by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak's Institute of Health and Community Medicine (IHCM).

Institute director Prof Dr David Perera said 303 additional cases involving variants of concern (VOC) were detected out of 307 positive samples sequenced as of Aug 31.

"All the VOC cases detected were of the Delta variant. The overall Delta detection rate of 99% observed in this report is an increase from the 82% reported on Aug 28.

"Thus the data suggests that the Delta variant is currently the dominant circulating variant in Sarawak," he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 13).

Dr Perera said there was a 100% detection rate of the Delta variant from sequenced cases in Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Mukah, Miri and Limbang divisions as well as imported cases from overseas.

He said the variant was detected at a rate of 98% in Bintulu and 97% in Sibu and Kapit.

IHCM is helping the state disaster management committee track the Covid-19 virus variants circulating in Sarawak.