BINTULU: Mandatory Covid-19 screening test (rT-PCR) before entry into Bintulu is among the additional measures agreed by Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) to reduce infections.
Such measure will apply starting from April 5 until 18, said Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat today.
He added that based on the information from the Bintulu Health Office, most cases in Bintulu division stemmed from movement of individuals from outside of Bintulu.
All individuals who want to enter Bintulu must do a Covid-19 screening test three days beforehand.
Test results would be used as supporting document when applying for a police permit to cross zones.
“Without any Covid-19 screening test results, then the police are advised not to approve the movement permit.
“If any individual is found to have no screening test, the individual will be barred from entering Bintulu or will be placed under quarantine for 14 days.
“All quarantine costs as well as screening tests will be borne by the individual,” he said at a press conference on the latest Covid-19 development here.
However, Jack said exemption would be given to individuals who need to enter due to emergencies such as hospital appointment or attending a funeral, and supporting documents should be attached.
Individuals under essential services category travelling to and from Bintulu regularly would be given flexibility as their test results would be valid for two weeks, he added.
Jack said the increase in cases in Bintulu was worrying.
However, the situation did not seem to have an effect on residents as some were still seen lingering around in shopping centres, supermarkets and other places.
“I urge the public not to leave the house if there is no urgent need, and to always adhere to standard operating procedure guidelines set by the government.”
Jack stressed that stricter enforcement action was also being implemented to ensure that the public comply with guidelines. He also advised the public not to be selfish.
