Sarawak detects 2 new clusters linked to Gawai celebrations

Two of three new clusters announced by the Sarawak state health department yesterday involved the recent Gawai celebrations, the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said.

In a statement, SDMC said the Kampung Sebandi Hilir cluster, a community cluster detected in Kampung Sebandi Hilir in Lundu district, was triggered by a pre-Gawai celebration during a “miring” gathering ceremony on May 31.

A total of 34 individuals were screened, with nine testing positive for Covid-19 including the index case, while 25 others tested negative.

SDMC said the Melatai cluster was another community cluster involved in a settlement in the Melatai area, at Jalan Selirik in Kapit, about 427km from Kuching, due to social movements and visitations during the Gawai celebration.

“A total of 139 individuals were screened, with 45 testing positive, 23 negative and 17 still awaiting their results,” it said.

The third cluster, the Kampung Tabuan Haji Drahman cluster, is a community cluster involving Kampung Haji Drahman, where the virus was transmitted through close family contact and social movement among the residents.

A total of 62 people were screened, 33 of whom tested positive including the index case.

Sarawak recorded 569 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, with 371 detected in the districts of Sibu, Kuching, Kapit, Miri and Bintulu, and four fatalities.

SDMC also said an enhanced movement control order (EMCO) is being enforced at the Jarop, Changkoi and Lubok Antu longhouses in Sri Aman from June 11 to 24 following a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Kampung Sebandi Hilir, Lundu has been placed under EMCO from June 12 to 25 and the Kintan, Merampu and Pakan longhouses, located about 45km from Sarikei town, from June 12 to 28.