KUALA LUMPUR:Nine new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Sarawak today with eight cases in Kuching while one other in Miri.

Of the total, five cases were detected through screening for Wisma Saberkas Cluster contacts in Kuching.

According to a statement from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) on Wednesday, three of the five cases reported for this cluster had a history of movement in the premises of Wisma Saberkas.

“Two more cases are employees at Wisma Saberkas and were tested positive through active case detection screening conducted by the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS).

"All cases detected involving this cluster have been admitted to the isolation ward at the Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) for further treatment," the statement said.

In addition, the other three cases reported in Kuching involved a screening case of newly returned visitors from Negeri Sembilan (Import-B case), Greenhill Cluster (one) and close contact screening case to a positive COVID-19 case (one).

Meanwhile, a case in Miri was detected through the screening of symptomatic individuals involving Vietnamese citizens who had been in Miri for the past eight months.

“The case has been treated at a private hospital in Miri on November 2, 2020 due to symptoms such as cough and fever since October 30, 2020 and  was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on November 3, 2020.

"The case also has no history of returning to the country of origin or visiting high-risk areas in the last three months and close contact tracking is in full swing," the statement added.

Sarawak still recorded six active clusters involving Bah Arnab Cluster, Baki Cluster, Seladah Cluster, Greenhill Cluster, Wisma Saberkas Cluster in Kuching and Putra Cluster in Bintulu.