MIRI: Eight Covid-19 swab tests have successfully been performed on villagers at a locality in Long Lamai after persuasion and insistence by health officers, who were flown there to conduct an investigation and swab test operation.
The Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) said it received information regarding a viral message on Wednesday (June 2), which said that many Penan residents at the Long Lamai locality were symptomatic and ill.
“On June 3 (Thursday), a health and medical team consisting of seven people were flown by a Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) helicopeter there,” Miri DDMC said in a statement on Friday (June 4).
An investigation was conducted by interviewing the village head and residents.
“They said they did not know of this and no such thing had happened at the Long Lamai locality.
“Results of the investigation found that many villagers had gone to their respective farms to carry out their daily activities as usual.
“An examination of the homes did not find anyone with symptoms or illness.”
Miri DDMC said the team worked with the village head and pastor to carry out surveillance and swab tests, whereby eight swab tests were taken.
“The activities began at 10am and had to be ended at 4pm for the return flight to Miri.”
Miri DDMC said it would follow up on the results of the swab tests, feedback from the village head, and careful risk assessment for any further action.
Earlier news reports said a woman, who went to Long Lamai to attend her mother’s funeral two weeks ago, had tested positive for Covid-19 upon returning to Miri.
