Covid-19: No cause for alarm yet in Sarawak, says state minister

KUCHING: There is no cause for alarm yet over the current Covid-19 situation in Sarawak despite the increase in cases, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said Covid-19 had a lower fatality rate now, with most cases showing mild symptoms.

"There is no need to be alarmed at the moment. But people should still be careful and wear masks in crowded places or when travelling," he told reporters after launching the Sarawak Tourism Board's integrity policies book here on Thursday (Dec 7).

Abdul Karim said his ministry currently had no Covid-19 measures in place for visitors to the state.

"If cases increase drastically, I believe the Health Ministry will issue directives.

"We have not reached that stage. If we do, proper guidelines will be issued to us regarding the dos and don'ts for visitors and events," he said, adding that the situation was still under control.

On Sunday (Dec 3), the Health Ministry reported a 57.3% increase in Covid-19 cases from 2,305 in epidemiological week 46 (Nov 12-18) to 3,626 the following week (Nov 19-25).

Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said nearly half the cases (48%) were patients aged between 20 and 40, with 98% of those cases showing mild symptoms.

He said although cases were rising, the situation was under control and was not burdening health facilities.

He also advised the public to continue practising preventive measures, including maintaining a high level of personal hygiene.