KOTA KINABALU: The daily Covid-19 new cases in Sabah saw a jump on Friday (Dec 11) with 532 cases - nearly doubled the number recorded on Thursday (Dec 10).
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the high number of cases today was attributed to the screening results from two clusters located in Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu respectively.
“From today’s total figure, the Rumah Merah cluster from the Menggatal temporary detention centre in the state capital recorded 150 cases while Lahad Datu’s Dbajaru cluster recorded 133 cases, ” he said in a virtual press conference on Friday.
On Thursday, Masidi cautioned that the state may see a hike in cases due to the mass screening at the Menggatal detention centre with the results out today.
The mass screening was done as a continuous monitoring of detainees where initially, several detainees showed symptoms and found to be positive with the virus on Dec 10.
“To date, 1,702 detainees have been tested using the RT-PCR method, ” he added.
On the issue of limited patrons at eateries, the state government will retain the dine-in standard operating procedure (SOP) currently enforced, that is half the capacity of the size of table.
“Many have inquired about this, and we would like to clarify we will still keep the current SOP as the number of new cases is still worrying.
“The table for four will only be allowed to have two diners while
three people are allowed in a table for six, and four people in a table for eight."
He said the one-metre physical distancing and relevant SOPs must be adhered.
On a question on the exact funds needed to revive the tourism industry in Sabah, he said based on the Economic Action Committee projection, it will take at least four years to help the industry to recover due to the Covid-19 spread.
“I know some believe the vaccines will help the industry to recover but we should not completely rely on it.
“It will take time, even if we reopen borders, it does not mean that hordes of tourists will immediately return, there are other factors and it takes time to regain confidence as travellers are more wary.
“It is hard but it will not be impossible, just do not expect it overnight, as it involves other countries and not just Sabah, ” he said.
Masidi said based on the information from the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, the government has allocated RM25mil annually to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to reinvigorate tourism promotion efforts.
“In conclusion, it is not easy to ascertain the real amount needed ... But the ministry concerned is in the process of coming up with the budget estimates through the Tourism Recovery Committee under STB, ” he added.
On another development, he denied the viral post on social media claiming that the whole of Donggongon town is closed for two days from today to allow sanitisation.
On the current shopping frenzy as visitors packed malls during the festive Christmas season, he assured that physical distancing is still being kept and the malls' management has been directed to ensure this is being adhered to.
“This is the responsibility of (mall) operators to look into, and penalties can be taken against both errant shoppers and business owners.
“With the Christmas coming, we do not want to spoil your fun by using punitive measures, so please follow the protocols, ” he called on the public. - Star
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