KUCHING: Sarawakians are reminded to tread carefully during the festive season, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas cautioning against allowing COVID-19 to cast a shadow over Christmas celebrations.
Despite the anticipated joy, Uggah noted a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, attributed to the HK.3 and JN.1 sub-variants of the Omicron strain.
“Our positive cases have recorded a surge of concern at 631 from December 10 to 16. The week earlier there were 310 cases. This is an increase by 103.5 percent.
“So, everyone please be very cautious, especially the elderly, children and those with comorbidities. Do not let COVID-19 be the ‘Grinch’ that will steal your Christmas joys.” he said in his Christmas message.
Uggah, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, reminded the public to practise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place to avoid both infection and transmission.
“Do your own self test if you begin to experience the symptoms such as developing chills or fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and so forth.
“If your test is positive, please isolate or self-quarantine yourself, and report to the MySejahtera mobile apps,” he said.
On another note, he expressed hope that all Sarawakians will continue to nurture its existing religious and racial harmony, unity, and understanding.
“Let us not take things for granted as any issue affecting our unity can derail our plans and programmes implementation,” he said.
He also called the people to continue with the tradition of visiting the open house of Christian friends and family to reaffirm and restrengthen ties during this Christmas.
“Merry Christmas everyone. May the season bring lots of happiness and joys and a Happy New Year in 2024 as well,” said Uggah.
