Sarawak, Perlis model states in keeping Covid-19 cases low

COVID-19 | Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has commended Sarawak and Perlis for managing to stem the spread of Covid-19 in the states.

He pinned the success to the additional public health initiatives taken by both state governments.

State capital Kuching was once a red zone but Sarawak has managed to bring down the infectivity rate (R₀) in the state to a low 0.4.

All those travelling to the state for the Christmas and year-end holidays are required to undergo a 10-day quarantine at stipulated centres as well as take a Covid-19 test.

As of 12pm today, Sarawak recorded just six active cases. Almost all districts except four - Kuching, Bintulu, Lawas and Sibu - are green zones with zero Covid-19 infections.

“They (Sarawak) have protected their state. We feel that this is a good way to ensure community transmission does not happen.

“Perlis is also a model state,” said Noor Hisham.

Perlis recorded zero new infections today. It has reported just 46 cumulative Covid-19 cases from the start of the pandemic.

The state government mandates Covid-19 screenings for all who enter Perlis.

The top official also commended Terengganu for providing free Covid-19 tests for those travelling into the state from red zones.

The east coast state has 13 active cases as of today. All districts except three - Kuala Terengganu, Dungun and Hulu Terengganu - are green zones with zero infections.

Noor Hisham further agreed with Kelantan’s decision to issue coloured wristbands to travellers entering the state from red zones.

Kelantan has 138 active cases, of which 28 were recorded today. A bulk of the active cases (115) are in state capital Kota Bharu - a red zone. 

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