KUCHING: There are currently two cases of suspected Wuhan Coronavirus infection in Sarawak, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

One is in Kuching and the other is in Miri, he said, adding that the patients are quarantined in the Sarawak General Hospital and Miri Hospital respectively and are awaiting the results of laboratory tests in Kuala lumpur for the virus.

Uggah told reporters after chairing a state disaster management committee meeting this morning that six patients had tested negative, including the China national who was warded at the Bintulu Hospital.

The other patients who were cleared of the virus were four in Kuching, and one in Sibu.

Uggah revealed that the Kuching patient is a China national while the Miri is a local, and both had recently returned from China.

On the same note, he also advised those who just arrived from China to observe a 14-day self-quarantine leave at home as a precautionary measure against the Wuhan coronavirus.

“We are also communicating with employers and schools to allow employees and students who just came back from China to take 14-days leave,” he said.

The incubation period of the Wuhan virus is up to 14 days before symptoms show up.

Uggah said once a symptom is detected within the 14-day self quarantine period, patients must immediately report to the nearest medical facilities so that their samples could be sent out for testing immediately, and results known as soon as possible.

“As in any other crisis, the cooperation of everyone is essential. Our Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) has directed us to take all necessary actions.

“Sometimes it (solution) may be inconvenient and disruptive but if it is necessary to protect the lives of Sarawakians, let us do it,” he said.

Asked if employers insisted that no self-quarantine would be given to employees who just came back from China, Uggah said the state government could not force them to implement otherwise.

“That’s why I asked for cooperation from everyone. It may be disruptive or inconvenient, but the short sacrifice will have a long effect, to protect all Sarawakians, as it is our objectives,” he said.