Sarawak’s Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when contacted, confirmed that currently, there is limited space at SGH to cater for Covid-19 cases.

Earlier, at a press conference, he said as of today, Sarawak had recorded a total of 18 Covid-19 positive cases, bringing the total to 306 cases since the first three cases were reported on March 13.

Of the 18 cases, 14 are being treated at SGH, three at Sibu Hospital and one at Miri Hospital.

He also said 67 new Persons Under Investigation (PUI) were reported, taking the total to 1,864 cases.

Karim, who represented state disaster management committee chairman Douglas Uggah Embas, said so far, no enhanced movement control order (EMCO) had been declared in any area in the state.

The current trend has shown that there was no spike in the number of cases in any area, he said.

“We hope we won’t reach that stage because once an area is declared to be under EMCO, people will not be allowed to leave their homes and all businesses there will be closed,” he said.

Therefore, he advised the people to abide by the government’s orders to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Karim said there was 96.5% compliance by Sarawakians to the restrictions under the MCO.

“Police have arrested 25 people in the state for flouting the travel restrictions.

“A total of 71 people have been charged in court, with 57 pleading guilty, 16 people being jailed and 35 being fined,” he said.

Disinfection of premises is still being carried out in certain areas.