KOTA KINABALU: The mild form of Covid-19 infections in Sarawak indicates a shift towards the endemic phase as the country achieves herd immunity, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       The Health Minister said that with Sarawak having reached the 80% herd immunity target, the state would be a good example, but further studies were needed to properly gauge the situation.

       “Although the number of cases is high, 99% are mild or asymptomatic.

       “Only four of the 3,714 cases recorded on Monday were serious,” he told reporters after witnessing the single-dose CanSino vaccination drive for islanders in Pulau Larapan in Semporna yesterday.

       Khairy said that with the population in Sarawak already achieving herd immunity, it was clear that those who tested positive were only mildly infected.

       “Even if there are a lot of cases, the majority are mild,” he said, adding they would study further the situation in the state and the effects of variants of concern such as Delta.

       Yesterday, Sarawak recorded 3,200 daily cases, also the highest among the states.

       On the mobile vaccination drive, Khairy said the single-dose CanSino vaccine would be used for people on the islands, as well as those in the interior.

       A total of 16,000 doses of CanSino would be sent to Semporna, he said, adding that single-dose vaccines were more suitable for those residing on islands or in remote areas.

       Khairy also said the general policy of the government was to vaccinate everyone regardless of whether they were documented or not.

       “No one will be safe until everyone is safe,” he added.

       Separately in Kuching, Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the current wave of Covid-19 in Sarawak was due to the highly infectious Delta variant, but most of the cases were not severe due to the high vaccination rate.

       The state disaster management committee adviser added that the public should not panic over the high numbers, but should instead stay alert to help stop local transmissions and prevent the healthcare system from collapsing.

       “Sarawak is the first state to experience a post-vaccination outbreak.

       “With a high vaccination rate, there is a significant drop in the severity of the disease and deaths,” he said when contacted.

       As of Monday, 87.7% of the state’s adult population had been fully vaccinated.

       Dr Sim said Sarawak must now learn to live with the virus as it prepares to enter the endemic phase.

       He said weekly self-testing for workers using antigen rapid test kits might be necessary for businesses to reopen safely and more sustainably.

       “We still need everyone to follow the standard operating procedure and continue with non-pharmaceutical interventions and public health measures,” he added.