KOTA KINABALU: There is congestion at indoor hospital wards here due to increased cases and screening, said Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, today.
She said hospital management need to open additional wards inside and outside.
"This adds burden to healthcare staff who need to work fulltime to treat a large number of patients," she said in a statement.
She noted that Covid-19 cases are increasing daily and cumulatively, there have been 3,841 cases as of Oct 10 (Saturday), with over 100 new cases detected each day.
"This is because the number of Covid-19 screenings carried out every day is high. Screening is continuously done among contacts of Covid-19 cases, those with symptoms, and those coming from red zone areas.
She said the State Health Department (JKNS) will take appropriate action to ensure health services are not disrupted when medical frontliners have to undergo quarantine.
She added that healthcare staff need to undergo home quarantine orders from time to time, depending on the situation.
Dr Rundi said medical frontliners are required to do so when they have been in close contact with those confirmed to be Covid-19 positive; after returning from red zone areas; and after test swabs are taken.
"In this situation, JKNS will take appropriate action to ensure healthcare services are not affected by mobilising healthcare staff from different units or facilities," she said.
Dr Rundi said JKNS remains committed in efforts to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak among the community, while ensuring patients in wards are receiving optimum treatment.
She stressed that JKNS' efforts would not be successful without support and commitment from the community.
She reminded the people to stay home and comply with standard operating procedures.