Omicron variant case found in Labuan

 

A new Covid-19 cluster has emerged in Labuan over the past 24 hours, recording 13 cases with one of them being of the Omicron variant.

Labuan Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari said the cluster dubbed Jalan OKK Awang Besar Saudi was triggered by an Umrah pilgrim who returned to the duty-free island on Dec 21 last year and had interacted with several family members and other individuals.

Jalan OKK Awang Besar is situated in the town centre.

Ismuni said the Omicron variant patient is undergoing quarantine alongside other family members.

“This patient had been tested positive for the Omicron variant after returning from Umrah pilgrimage on Dec 21, and he has shown no symptoms,” he told Bernama today.

Ismuni said close contact tracing of all the 13 patients were being carried out, as one of them was said to have gone to a New Year sales booth event at the International Sea Sports Complex recently.

Labuan recorded two-digit Covid-19 cases on Jan 2 with 15 cases before dropping to two cases the next day (Jan 3).

Although Covid-19 cases in Labuan are "still manageable", Ismuni said it was crucial for all parties to remain vigilant and comply with the standard operating procedure and avoid crowded places.

Labuan has a cumulative infection of 10,863 including 15 new cases reported today.

According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s statement on Jan 4, a total of 122 cases of the Omicron variant were reported nationwide as of Jan 4, of which 117 cases were imported and the remaining five were local infections.

- Bernama