KUCHING: The Stutong Community Market has been instructed to close after two positive Covid-19 cases were reported to have been traced from the market Saturday (July 18).
Kuching City South Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the market will be temporarily closed until further notice.
“There was a random Covid-19 test done at the market to make sure it is safe for vendors and the public alike.
“Unfortunately, after the two positive cases were detected, we were instructed to close immediately,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted last Saturday (July 18).
He said more than 200 vendors and staff working at the market had been instructed to go for the tests.
“Most of them have gone to get tested in Petra Jaya. And if the balance of the people have been proven negative, then we will see how are we going to open to the public and make sure that all precautionary measures are in place and continuous disinfection are being carried out,” he said.
He said for customers that have visited the market and may show signs and symptoms of the virus, they are encouraged to go for the Covid-19 tests.
“We appeal to the public not to panic as long as they continue to observe all the standard operating procedures,” he said.
He said the war against the virus was not over yet unless a vaccine was found. Therefore the people must not take the easy way out and instead strictly follow the SOPs or else face another lockdown.
“Try to avoid crowded places, practice social distancing, have good personal hygiene and most importantly use your masks.
“If you notice a market is crowded, avoid it because there are still other days when you go there when it is less busy,” he stressed.
He also urged the public to stop spreading rumours or fake news on any Covid-19 related cases so as not to cause unnecessary tension, and the public should only trust the official announcement by SDMC.
On the other markets under the jurisdiction of MBKS, Wee said the council had been working round the clock every day to make sure the SOPs in the markets were strictly complied with.
