KOTA KINABALU – Sabah today recorded 889 new coronavirus cases, with the majority – 557 – in the state capital.
The state’s spokesman on Covid-19, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, said the Kapayan Prison cluster saw 434 fresh infections, contributing the most to the Kota Kinabalu tally.
“I see the possibility of this figure continuing to increase, as there are inmates who have undergone tests and are awaiting their results.”
He said the National Security Council has agreed to extend the statewide conditional movement control order to November 9, and noted that lockdowns are in force in 12 localities, with the order to take effect at the Balung flats and Taman Semarak residential area, both in Tawau, starting Monday.
As of today, he said, 84,814 food baskets have been distributed to those in need.
Masidi took a swipe at a news portal for claiming the baskets cost RM336 each when the items are valued at much less.
“This calculation is wrong. The allocation given to the district offices has not been totally used up.
“I was told by the secretariat that according to the spending guideline, each basket is worth about RM100. The baskets are also being distributed according to schedule, so this calculation is incorrect.”
He said seven teachers, 25 students and one education staffer have tested positive for the coronavirus in Sabah, but pointed out that they did not get infected at schools, which have been closed statewide.
A total of 104 teachers and 242 students have contracted the virus since March, he said.
Masidi said five officers at the Papar temporary detention centre have tested positive, with 33 detainees awaiting their test results.
Malaysia today registered a record-high 1,228 new cases, of which Sabah infections account for 72.4%.
The state is also the only one with total cases in the five figures at 11,258, of which 6,287 are active.
Two new clusters have been detected in Sabah – both in Sandakan – namely Megah with 15 cases and Mesra with 22.
Of the seven new virus deaths reported today, six were in the state.
Meanwhile, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, in his daily update, said home treatment for asymptomatic Covid-19 patients is being considered as an option.
“Some countries have already implemented this, but we are considering this method only when beds and spaces for our low-risk patients are filled up.”
Masidi has said hospital beds in Sabah are quickly filling up, with 5,624 of the total 5,651 beds occupied. – The Vibes, October 24, 2020
