How is Sarawak Health Department identifying potential Covid-19 cases on flights?

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Sarawak Health Department Identifies Potential Covid-19 Cases Through Airline Contact and On-Site Screenings

The Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) identifies potential Covid-19 cases on flights by directly contacting airlines for passenger and crew manifests when a suspected infection is identified. This process was clarified following a viral social media post of an email from the department requesting such details. The department's proactive approach involves screening passengers at airports and investigating individuals who exhibit symptoms or have relevant travel histories.
Contacting Airlines for Passenger and Crew Information

When an aircraft is suspected of carrying individuals with Covid-19, the JKNS contacts the relevant airline to obtain a list of passengers and crew. This procedure was highlighted after an email from the Health Department requesting these details from a private airline's Operations Control Centre went viral. The department stated that this is a standard practice to facilitate contact tracing and further investigation of potential cases.
On-Site Screening and Patient Under Investigation Protocols

The department actively screens passengers at entry points, such as Miri Airport. On February 26, a female passenger travelling from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) to Miri was identified coughing during a health screening. This individual, a Malaysian who had recently returned from China, was immediately admitted to the isolation ward at Miri Hospital as a Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) for Covid-19.
Case Investigation and Negative Test Results

Following identification as a PUI, the passenger underwent laboratory testing for Covid-19. Both the initial and repeat tests for the coronavirus returned negative. Consequently, the individual was discharged from the hospital and allowed to return home, where she remains under observation for the stipulated 14-day period.
Absence of Confirmed Cases in Sarawak

As of the reported date, the Sarawak Health Department confirmed that there were no confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the state. The department's ongoing surveillance and investigation protocols are in place to monitor and manage any potential introductions of the virus.

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How is Sarawak Health Department identifying potential Covid-19 cases on flights?

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