KUCHING: Newer variants have caused the efficacy rate of Covid-19 vaccines to drop to 80 per cent from the original 95, says Dr David Ling.
“Though we have been fully vaccinated, it does not mean that we are 100 percent protected.
“That is why we should not forget to take precautions by adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as to keep ourselves updated about the development of the Covid-19 and its dangers,” the KPJ medical director reminded.
He said this during the closing and appreciation ceremony for the Industrial Vaccination Centre (PPVIN) at The Spring Shopping Mall on Tuesday (Aug 3).
“This PPVIN, regarded as the biggest in Kuching, has vaccinated over 15,000 people to date with over 900 people daily.
“Industries drive the economy of the country and we need our industrial workers to be safe to keep our economy going.
“We are honoured to work together with The Spring and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in expanding vaccination to industry workers.
“However, even though we have achieved quite a high rate of vaccination in the state, there are still areas that we need to strengthen and mop up those who have yet to receive their vaccination.”
Commenting on the Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan, he mentioned that the government had planned a strategy on how to slowly exit from the pandemic.
“Although I do not have any details on what exactly the third phase in the state will be, I would like to remind the public to strictly follow whatever SOPs set under this phase, especially with regard to inter-district or inter-state travel.”
Healthcare personnel posing for a photograph after giving the vaccine to the final recipient. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni 
A man giving the thumbs up as he becomes the final person to receive the vaccine during the Spring PPVIN’s closing ceremony. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni
