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KUCHING: A one-day Covid-19 Active Case Detection (ACD) operation was launched in Kampung Haji Baki here this morning after the detection of two groups there.
Sarawak’s Chief Deputy Minister Douglas Uggah, who is also chair of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the first group was a family involving three positive Covid-19 victims, while the second group was a family with five positive cases.
“So in total, we have recorded eight positive cases here and the state Department of Health believes there is a possibility that the infection has spread to the community.
“That is why we are doing the ACD operation involving 100 health personnel under the direction of Dr. Majorie Trial Junting,” Uggah said in a statement.
A makeshift swab testing center was set up near the village. The residents were divided into blocks, and Block A comprising 600 people is currently under review. Those in blocks B and C were encouraged to submit to the test voluntarily.
Uggah said the ACD operation was in line with one of SDMC’s strategies – “detect and isolate” – to control the spread of the infection.
“For the sick and elderly who are immobile, the health personnel will visit them in their homes for the test. They are in the most vulnerable group.
“We cannot wait for the infected to start showing symptoms and only then come in for treatment.
“Probably by then the viral infection will be like a peat earthen fire underground, spreading further into the community,” he said.
Uggah added that two ACD operations conducted earlier this year in the Uni Garden housing area in Kota Samarahan and in the city’s Kampung Tabuan Melayu had helped SDMC control the spread of the disease.
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