SIBU: The increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Bintulu has caused the reopening of previously suspended low-risk quarantine and treatment centres (PKRC) to accommodate the patients.

       Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said currently, there were 53 positive patients in Stage 3 (pulmonary infection) receiving treatment.

       "There are also seven patients in intensive care, comprising five with coronary artery disease in Stage 4 and two in Stage 5 who need breathing aid.

       "The remaining 1,063 patients are under Stage 1 and 2," he said in a statement Monday (Aug 30).

       Tiong said as people became complacent, cases began to rise which resulted in PKRCs being reopened.

       "The National Recovery Plan (NRP) means nothing if we allow daily cases to increase again. Compliance with SOP is still very important," he said.

       Bintulu recorded 165 cases on Monday, of which three are imported cases.

       He feared that with the spike in cases from 46 on Sunday (Aug 29), Bintulu might be entering a very severe period.

       "With the number of new confirmed cases in a single day, no one should take this lightly.

       "The next few days and weeks are crucial," he said.

       Tiong said looking at the feedback, some opined that the NRP should not be rushed because the number of confirmed cases had soared in the past few days.

       "Preventing transmissions is still the most important task. We need to think deeply about implementing more effective and comprehensive strategies to fight the disease," he said.

       As the pandemic was still ongoing, he urged the public to avoid public gatherings and comply with the SOP at all times.