Will Sarawak be the next state to achieve herd immunity?
On Tuesday (July 27th) Labuan became the first among federal territories and states in the country to achieve herd immunity.
Photo via The Star
Now, it’s been reported that Sarawak has also achieved high immunisation coverage among its eligible adult population where 86.7% have at least received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 66.6% have been fully vaccinated as of July 30th.
According to Astro AWANI, the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) director Datuk Dr. Mohamed Sapian said that more than 70% of adults in Sarawak will receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of August.
He also said that the average number of cases also decreased to 383 cases a day in July compared to 584 cases and 538 cases in June and May of 2021.
“Although there is an increase in cases this week, from July 25th to July 31st, which is 450 new cases a day, most of the cases detected are concentrated in several districts only, in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions.
“The increase in cases in those divisions is the result of targeted screening that were implemented on a large scale,” he clarified in a statement on Sunday (August 1st).
Dr. Sapian also explained that high vaccination coverage is important in curbing the transmission of the COVID-19 infection among the community and has had a positive impact on the number of new cases detected as well as the death rate.
He also said that the number of cases requiring close monitoring and treatment in hospitals has also decreased in line with the sharp increase in COVID-19 immunisation since June 2021.
Photo via The Star
Dr. Sapian called on the public who have not yet received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or have not received an appointment to immediately contact the resident’s office, a PPV or the nearest health clinic to get an appointment date.
Wow, well done, Sarawak! We’re excited to see you be the next state to achieve herd immunity!
Let’s do our part to help our frontliners flatten the curve of infection. Stay at home, stay safe and get yourself vaccinated!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
