KUCHING: Sarawak has achieved the greatest Covid-19 vaccination coverage at 86.7 percent for the first dose and 66.6 percent for the second dose, according to the state Health Department.
The State Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed said that more than 70 percent of Sarawak’s population is estimated to have received two doses of the vaccine by the end of this month.
“The high coverage is critical in the fight against the pandemic,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 1).
The increase in the immunisation coverage, he observed, had a positive impact on the number of new cases detected and mortality rates.
“Based on the July report, the average number of cases detected decreased to 383 cases per day compared to the previous average of 584 cases in June and 538 cases in May.
“Although there was a surge in cases (from July 25 to July 31) at 450 per day, the majority of the cases were concentrated in several districts, especially in Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Divisions. This is due to the implementation of targeted screening and contact screening of positive cases,” he explained.
Dr Sapian also stated that the number of cases requiring close monitoring and treatment in hospitals has dropped in Sarawak since June, due to a significant increase in vaccination coverage.
“The number of Category 4 cases (pneumonia and need oxygen assistance) and Category 5 (critical and requiring respiratory assistance) has decreased from an average of 268 cases per day in June to 150 cases per day in July.
“The number of cases requiring critical treatment also decreased from an average of 83 cases per day in June to 45 cases per day in July. As of July 30, the number of deaths due to Covid-19 disease has decreased from 108 cases in June to 45 cases in July,” he said.
Dr Sapian pointed out that in an effort to ensure that all residents aged 18 and above are eligible to receive the vaccine, and all vaccination centres in Sarawak have implemented walk-in jab service.
“Anyone who has not yet received the first dose of vaccine or an immunisation appointment should contact the nearest Resident’s Office, District Office, vaccination centre, or the nearest health clinic as soon as possible to schedule an appointment or receive the vaccine on walk-in basis,” he said.
The state Health Department reminds the public that they must still adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) by wearing face masks at all times, especially when in public places like restaurants and supermarkets, maintain physical distancing, and adhere to all regulations set by the government.
The state Health Department also reminds the public to seek medical treatment at local health institutions if they have fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulties, fatigue, body aches, diarrhoea, vomiting, or other symptoms, regardless of how minor or severe they are.
However, it is better for the public to stay at home to avoid contracting the Covid-19 virus.
