Sarawakians abroad urged not to return home for Chinese New Year

As Malaysia continues to record high number of new COVID-19 cases, community leaders of various Chinese groups and associations have urged Sarawakians who are currently working or studying outside the state not to return back to their hometowns this coming Chinese New Year.

Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association chairman, Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau said this was the best measure to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect their family and friends as new clusters have emerged after interstate travel restrictions were lifted. In a joint press conference with the United Chinese Association (UCA), Sibu Division, Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and Federation of Seven Clan Association, he appealed to everyone particularly the Chinese community to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He suggested those who can’t return home to stay connected with their family and friends through phone calls, internet and social media. Meanwhile, Sarawakians at home are urged to stay at home during the festivities and all Chinese New Year visiting and social gatherings should be restricted. This include public gathering organised by associations and he suggested replacing them with online activities.

At the moment, Sarawak appears to be the greenest state after Perlis with a total of 23 green zones out of 31 districts as of 7th January 2021. Today, Malaysia recorded 3,027 new COVID-19 cases which is a record high while Sarawak has reported 14 new positive cases. Kuching reported the most with 7 new cases, followed by Sibu with 3 cases, Sri Aman with 2 cases, while Miri and Pusa having 1 new case each.

Sarawak has reported a total of 1,180 positive cases since the start of the pandemic and 1,085 have recovered and discharged so far. Unfortunately, there are a total of 19 deaths recorded. The recovery rate in the state is 91.95% and the mortality rate is 1.61%.

Sarawak is still enforcing a 10-day mandatory quarantine at designated quarantine centres for all incoming travellers including Malaysians who are entering the state from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan. For those who are travelling from Sabah and Labuan are required to take a RT-PCR test 3 days before entering the state.

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