SARAWAK reported zero deaths and a drop in the number of Covid-19 cases for the second straight day. 

388 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. Of this number, 271 are individuals in quarantine, 57 are from active clusters, 21 were detected from mandatory screenings, 31 were detected from screening at other health facilities, while the remaining eight are Sarawakians returning from other states. 

Yesterday, Sarawak reported 423 cases.

It also reported that one community cluster was detected in Kg Bedup Longgo in Serian, 51km from Kuching.  24 villagers, including the index case, were found positive.

Meanwhile, the number of Covid-19 deaths in the state remain at 443 cases.

Falling numbers due to Sarawak’s vaccination drive?

The falling numbers, though still in its early days, has prompted Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister James Masing to suggest that there may be a correlation between the drop in new cases and zero-fatality rate, and the state’s aggressive vaccination drive. 

“Could this be the result of aggressive vaccination by the Health Ministry in Sarawak?

“If there is a direct correlation between vaccination and the (Covid-19) deaths, it means Sarawak’s vaccine roll out plan is indeed the correct approach in containing this deadly virus,” Masing said.

Masing said the Ministry of Health should undertake a study to determine if there is a correlation between the two.

“So, we don’t waste our time by using all kinds of strategies like MCO (movement control order), CMCO (conditional movement control order) etc.

“Just concentrate on the acquisition of approved vaccines and plan an effective vaccination plan. Leave out politics and religion in our fight against this Covid-19,” he said. – July 17, 2021.