The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee secretariat announced on Monday, Feb. 10, that an immediate 14-day self-quarantine will be imposed on those who visited Singapore before their arrival in Sarawak.
As of Monday, Feb. 10, there were 45 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) in Singapore.
The secretariat explained later that evening that Singaporeans visiting Sarawak will be required to observe the Malaysian Health Ministry’s recommended precautions, as reported by Malay Mail
These measures were implemented “in view of the development in Singapore where its Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) had issued an Orange warning level over the spread of the disease”, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the chairman of the committee.
“We are still free of the coronavirus. I appeal to all to give us their unbridled support and cooperation,” he added, explaining that between Jan. 10 and Feb. 9, 43 of 60 cases of suspected coronavirus tested negative, while the results are pending for the remaining 17.
Sarawakians who visited Singapore or China: Self-quarantine
Besides self-quarantine for arrivals from Singapore, Sarawak had previously announced self-quarantine measures for those arriving from China, which applies to Sarawakians and permanent residents, as well as work permit or visa holders, according to Bernama.
This will be enforced by “random monitoring by the relevant authorities”.
Those under self-quarantine are to refrain from leaving their homes, and are advised to wear masks in common areas, maintaining a distance of at least one metre from others. They were also reminded not to share utensils, as reported by Malay Mail.
Singaporeans visiting Sarawak: Take precautionary measures
According to Malay Mail, the secretariat said that if an event has Singaporean attendees, the event organisers will have to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- Tell individuals who are unwell not to visit the state for any events
- Provide face masks to those with respiratory symptoms prior to coming in, and hand sanitisers at entry points
- Carry out temperature screening if possible
- Increase the frequency of cleaning in commonly-used areas such as washrooms
- Maintain a registration list of all participants
Those who fall sick during such events must also seek immediate medical attention and avoid shaking hands or physical contact with other participants.
Foreigners with China travel history: Turned away
Sarawak is refusing entry to foreigners with China travel history in the past 14 days, from Feb. 5, as reported by The Star.
However, it is unclear whether entry will be refused for foreigners who visited Singapore, but not China, prior to their arrival in Sarawak.
The Malaysia Agreement 1963 allows the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak to have autonomous control over immigration policies.
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