KUCHING: Although 2020 has finally ended, the war against the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over.
Sarawak Health Department director Dr Chin Zin Hing opined that 2021 will be just as challenging as 2020.
He said that the distribution of the vaccine throughout the state would be the biggest challenge for the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
“This is because we need time to monitor the effectiveness of the vaccine,” he said.
While waiting for the vaccine, Dr Chin said everyone must be responsible and play their roles to avoid any spike in positive cases.
“Last year was very challenging and busy as a lot of resources were aimed at the prevention and control of Covid-19.
“SDMC has led the way in fighting the pandemic and though we managed to flatten the curve, the war has not been won yet.
“We cannot fight the war alone as we need agencies and also the public to work together and cooperate,” he reminded, adding that the compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) is vital to contain Covid-19.
“Practising good personal hygiene, physical distancing, and the usage of face masks continue to be important in the prevention of Covid-19,” he added.
Sarawak Immigration director Datuk Ken Leben said 2021 would be a fresh start for everyone to deploy more intensive measures in enhancing state gate points and entries.
“Our aspiration for 2021 is to quickly end and win big in the war against Covid-19,” he said.
To reduce the risk of infection in Sarawak, he pledged that the state Immigration will impose stringent measures at entry points.
“We are committed to maintaining our resoluteness in enforcement operations, stringent checking at entry points, and resilience in issuance of passes.
“What has transpired in 2020 has changed the landscape of ordinariness which may last longer,” he added.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) expressed the hope that the turbulence caused by Covid-19 would soon come to an end.
Its director Khirudin Drahman said the department is committed in tackling the pandemic.
“Our Bomba brothers and sisters would like to wish for 2021 to be a better one — not only in championing fire safety, but also in tackling Covid-19.
“We hope everyone would stay safe and avoid unsafe ABC (acts, behaviour and condition),” he said.
