High number of Covid-19 cases in Sabah isn't surprising, says Masidi

 

Sabah also registered five fatalities – two in Beaufort and one each in Nabawan, Kota Kinabalau and Tuaran. - NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's new Covid-19 cases today jumped to 622, an increase of 96 infections from the previous day.

Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the high number was expected as the virus was already in the community and spreading easily.

"This high number isn't surprising, in fact, it has been foreseen taking into account the high percentage of sporadic cases (symptomatic screening).

"The sporadic case percentage is consistent between 35 and 40 percent in the past few weeks," he said in a statement today.

"Infections will occur more quickly if the virus is among people who don't take the standard operating procedures (SOP) and other healthcare measures seriously."

Masidi said half of the Sabah's case load today were close contacts at 311 cases. Sporadic cases registered 232 cases or 37.30 per cent.

"Of the 622 new cases, 609 patients or 98 per cent were in Categories 1 and 2.

"Categories 3 and 4 recorded two patients each while three patients were in Category 5. Six more cases are still under Health Department evaluation," he added.

Sabah also registered five fatalities – two in Beaufort and one each in Nabawan, Kota Kinabalau and Tuaran.

As of yesterday, 75.43 per cent of the adult population in Sabah have completed both doses of the vaccine while 70.44 per cent teenagers have been fully vaccinated thus far. - NST