KUCHING: A new Covid-19 cluster has been detected from the recent Keluarga Malaysia Citrawarna programme at the Kuching Waterfront.

       This came following 1,727 new infections were reported on Wednesday (March 9), bringing the cumulative tally to 272,142 cases.

       The state Disaster Management Committee said the cluster, which currently has 21 positive cases, comprised individuals who were directly involved in the Citrawarna programme that took place from Feb 24 to 27.

       An estimated 50,000 people visited the event over the four days.

       "The index case is a 45-year-old man who tested positive on Feb 27, after which 58 close contacts were identified and screened.

       "The infection is believed to have spread through close interaction," the committee said in a statement on Wednesday (March 9).

       It added that 24 other positive cases were also reported to have attended the Citrawarna programme but not linked to the cluster.

       As such, it advised all those who have attended the programme to monitor their health and do self-tests if they experience any symptoms.

       The committee also reminded the public to avoid activities with large crowds where it was difficult to observe the standard operating procedure.