LABUAN: The duty-free island has been recording a rising number of Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks, with 40 active cases reported as of Friday.
Labuan Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari said most of the cases were local transmissions, with only 10 per cent being imported cases.
“We had anticipated the upward trend following the reopening of borders and economic sectors. Nevertheless, the situation is under control owing to the increased number of vaccinated people,” he said.
Dr Ismuni added that the island had recorded two-digit cases over the past few days, with 14 reported on July 13.
“We must not be unduly worried about the upward trend as all the cases are in categories one and two... none of the patients have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU),” he said.
He said that although the Quarantine and Treatment Centres (PKRC) had been closed, the Labuan Hospital was still providing treatment to those needing Covid-19 treatment.
“Our Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) is still carrying out an evaluation of cases suspected to have the potential to spread quickly to the local community,” he said.
Dr Ismuni said the healthcare personnel was prepared to tackle the Omicron BA.5 subvariant, which can spread at a “very intense level”.
“Our advice to the people is the same: continue practicing a high level of hygiene, avoid large crowds and always wear facemasks,” he said.
