However, Sarawak health director Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed said 99.9% of the cases detected today came under category 1 (no symptoms) and category 2 (mild symptoms).

The World Health Organization has set a benchmark of 5% in terms of positivity rates to assess whether testing volume is sufficient. Positivity rate is the share of tests conducted that return positive results, indicating how many of those tested are actually infected.

Sapian said the steep rise in cases is also linked to an increase in close contact tracings throughout the state, especially in localities with active clusters.

He said the high number of Covid-19 samples had also burdened the capacity of existing laboratories and therefore the turnaround time required to obtain the test results had been extended, adding that outsourcing had also been implemented.

“This resulted in many test sample results being overdue for up to five days. Although there was a time lag in obtaining the results, all at-risk contacts were given a home surveillance order to prevent further spread in the community.”

Sapian said the state’s health department would continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation in Sarawak, adding that improvement measures are currently being carried out.

He said the Covid-19 rapid-antigen self-test kits will be used more widely in order to identify more positive cases at a rapid rate so that control action can be taken quickly.

“Mitigation plans are currently being drafted and detailed strategies will be announced in the near future after discussions with the Sarawak state disaster management committee and the health ministry.

“The public is urged to continue to adhere to all standard operating procedures, namely the wearing of face masks and physical distancing at all times. Let’s be responsible and work together to curb the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

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