Bring down the infectivity rate, MP Liew tells Tawau folks

Photo: Datuk Christina Liew

TAWAU: Residents in the district, who have yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19, have been urged to take a serious view of the pandemic.

Tawau MP Datuk Christina Liew said the continuing surge of new positive cases in this east coast area, culminating in 90 on June 1, was a worrying trend.

She hoped to see a change for the better from the current gloomy scenario by the end of the third Movement Control Order (MCO 3.0) on June 14. 

However, Liew said this is only achievable with the people’s cooperation and full  adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

“In May alone, Tawau topped the state in terms of daily increase as many as 15 days of the month, rising to 72 on May 29. Perhaps it’s time for some of us to change our ‘take it lightly’ attitude towards the coronavirus.

“We will only be courting danger or even death if we dilly-dally without a sense of urgency in getting ourselves vaccinated under the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. 

“I have sounded out my concern over the matter to the residents of Tawau, and reminded them to follow the SOPs since the first Movement Control Order (MCO 1.0) last year.”But looking at the daily rating, I am concerned that there are still some among us who are oblivious to the SOPs and causing COVID infections to rise up among the people in Tawau,” she said in a statement, Wednesday.

Liew, who is also Api Api Assemblywoman, requested the district’s vaccination team to consider early dates for vaccination appointments for ride hailing drivers and food delivery riders, among others.”Those involved in the e-hailing and food delivery services are regarded as front liners too by virtue of their direct interactions with passengers and customers, respectively,” she said.

Given that over 82,000 children have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country (as revealed by the Health Minister),  the Tawau MP advised parents not to expose their children to unnecessary risks.”Take safety precautions to protect yourself and your children from infection. Children, and not just elderly people, belong to the vulnerable group too,” she said.