10 Covid-19 cases linked to Sabah travel this week

 

COVID-19 | As Sabah continues to experience large outbreaks of Covid-19, Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah pointed out that 10 cases have also been linked to travel history in the state.

The 10 cases were detected in the period of the 39th epidemiological week, which is from Sept 20 until today.

As such, he reiterated his call yesterday for those who have travelled to red zones to get tested.

“Individuals showing symptoms who had just travelled to or originated from a red zone must undergo Covid-19 testing at a nearby healthcare facility.

“Individuals who had just travelled to or originated from a red zone but do not show symptoms are also highly encouraged to undergo testing and quarantine themselves to protect their family, friends, and surrounding community,” he said.

Thus far, there are five districts classified as red zones based on the number of cases detected in the past 14 days.

These are Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak, and Semporna in Sabah, and Kota Setar in Kedah.

Previously, a bank branch in Kuala Lumpur was closed for disinfection after one of its staff tested positive for Covid-19 after visiting Lahad Datu and Semporna from Sept 10 to 13.

Umno leaders Mohd Razlan Rafii and Shahril Hamdan had also tested positive after travelling to campaign in the Sabah election. Others were quarantined after being identified as close contacts.

In Kelantan, one case was identified involving an individual who recently visited Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang in Sabah.

Voting encouraged, but stick to SOPs

As polling day for the Sabah election looms and the discovery of the D614G strain of the disease in the state, the director-general also urged for greater vigilance to prevent the spread of the disease.

Nevertheless, Noor Hisham said voting on polling day tomorrow is still encouraged, but with full compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government.

“Based on the above risk assessment, the Health Ministry urges all members of society in Sabah to be more vigilant and strengthen compliance with SOPs, including during the campaign period and on polling day.

“As is the custom in Malaysia, people are encouraged to call out one another in complying with the SOP so we can protect ourselves, our families, and our community from the spread of Covid-19.

“The Health Ministry encourages the community to go out and vote, but with full compliance with SOPs set at polling stations and by practising physical distancing, high levels of personal hygiene by washing with soap and water, or hand sanitisers, and wearing face masks especially then in public, crowded, or confined spaces, or during close conversation," he said.  

"Get medical assistance if you show symptoms,” he added. - Mkini