KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing has urged Sarawakians not to panic as the state recorded the highest Covid-19 cases in a day at 1,566 on Monday (Aug 16).
“Sarawak has 1,566 positive cases. Never did we, in our wildest nightmare, expect to get these numbers in one day, most of which are in Kuching and surrounding areas, even after aggressive rollout of the vaccines.
“But, please don’t panic. Those who are vaccinated with two doses are adequately protected.”
Masing, who is also the Sarawak Border Security Control Committee chairman, mentioned that as of Monday, no less than 80 per cent of the eligible population in the state had been vaccinated with one dose, while in certain areas, including Kapit, where over 90 per cent had received both doses.
“What this means is that Sarawak is protected from the severe impact of Covid-19.
“Infection does occur, but it will not cause death. However, for those who are unvaccinated, the infection could be severe.”
He said he was told that over 90 per cent of those infected were categorised in category one to three of infection, which is equivalent to having a common cold.
“It is not serious. We must, therefore, learn to live with Covid-19 as we did with having a common cold.”
Masing also mentioned that there were three things to look into when analysing the severity of Covid-19 — the percentage of intensive care unit beds being occupied; stage of infection; and number of deaths.
“Please look at the infographic put up by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee for better analysis of the danger posed by the spike of coronavirus in Sarawak.”
