KUCHING: The current Covid-19 strain in the state seemed to be very infectious, said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He revealed those infected started showing symptoms from the third to fifth day instead of the 10th day onwards as in previous cases.
“Laboratory studies showed the virus load (amount) was very high. It is, however, the same virus,” he explained.
Dr Sim told the media this after joining Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on a visit to the Covid-19 operation centre at Kampung Haji Baki here today.
“The higher virus load means it will spread faster and easier. So, you see a lot of infected young people showing the symptoms on the third to fifth day instead of the 10th to 14th day.
“We have detected 20 positive cases in the new Green Hill cluster. The people went to private hospitals and clinics for testing instead of waiting for our health officers to come to them,” he said.
Dr Sim advised the public to go for the second swab test if the first result was negative.
“If the first test is negative, it does not mean you have not been infected as the incubation period for the virus is 14 days.
“The Sarawak government’s policy is different from that of Peninsular Malaysia.
“We always insist you go for your second swab test on the 10th day if your first test is negative. One can develop positive symptoms on the10th to 14th day,” he said.
Dr Sim also revealed that so far, there were no repeat Covid-19 patients in the state.
