KOTA KINABALU – Only SPM and STPM students living in school dormitories in the state are required to undergo Covid-19 screening when resuming their schooling sessions.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said this is because the state health department does not currently have the capacity to screen all SPM and STPM students.
He said according to instructions in a circular dated January 12 by Sabah health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, screening for both group of students is only for those living in hostels.
“The current inspection capacity of the state health department cannot cover the total number of students.
“A better approach is needed to ensure that students face only minimal risk of infection when starting their schooling sessions.”
He advised parents and guardians to always monitor their children, and seek immediate treatment should symptoms surface.
Asked if increasing virus cases in the state meant a longer movement control order (MCO) period, Masidi said Putrajaya will look into several other factors before making a decision on the matter.
“The implementation of the MCO by the federal government is a preventive measure to control the spread of the pandemic in the country.”
He said if the compliance rate on standard operating procedures is low and the number of positive cases is still a concern, Putrajaya will consult with the National Security Council and Health Ministry before deciding on whether to extend the lockdown.
On whether state leaders will be among the first to receive Phase 1 vaccines, meant for frontliners and vulnerable groups, Masidi said they will be included if they are considered as frontliners.
However, he added that the issue of who takes priority will be left to the discretion of the ministry.
“The estimated number of frontliners who will receive the Covid-19 vaccination when supply is available is 39,100 people.”
Masidi said Sabah has thus far recorded 134 Covid-19 clusters, of which only 45 are still active.
“Cumulatively, there are 14,200 positive cases from the registered 134 clusters. The three clusters that have recorded the highest number of cases are Kepayan Prison (1,900 cases, active), LD Benteng (1,168 cases, expired) and Tawau PTS (8,227 cases, expired).”
On details of cases or clusters from outside Sabah, he said the number of “Import A” cases (from foreign countries) that have been reported as of yesterday is 48.
“They consist of imported cases from the Philippines (16 cases), Indonesia (15), Pakistan (4), Thailand (4), United Kingdom (3), China (2), India (2), and one each from Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.”
“Import B” cases (from the rest of Malaysia) stand at 125 people, with 123 from the peninsula and two from Sarawak. – The Vibes, January 27, 2021
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