KOTA KINABALU – Sabah today detected a new Covid-19 cluster here called Matambai with 21 cases.
The Telipok and Kg Numbak clusters here may see a sharp increase in new Covid-19 cases in the next few days, said Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
“Both areas have been placed recently under enhanced movement control order (EMCO) and the state Health Department will start conducting screening tests starting tomorrow.”
He said both localities have a dense population of about 21,700 people.
“There were 134 positive cases (25.4% foreigners) in Kg Numbak with a population of around 5,700, and 207 positive cases (13.4% foreigners) in Telipok with a population of 15,000.
“The basic screening rule is about 10% of the population and if there is a need to increase it, I am sure the Health Department will have sufficient manpower to carry it out.
He said based on the report by the state Health Department, Sabah today recorded 288 new cases, bringing the cumulative total to 23,383 cases.
“Of the 288 cases today, 114 are from Tawau, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Penampang districts due to close contact screening. The remaining 174 cases are from other categories.
“Today, four deaths are recorded, two in Kota Kinabalu and two in Tawau. A total of 372 Covid-19 patients have been discharged from the hospital.”
He said a total of 2,346 patients are receiving treatment with 685 at hospitals and 1,661 people at the low risk quarantine and treatment centres (PKRC).
Number of patients in intensive care is 63 and 18 need ventilated breathing aids.
“On the advice and risk assessment by the Health Ministry, the National Security Council today agreed to end the EMCO at Kota Kinabalu PTS, Kepayan Prison and Taman Mat Salleh today as scheduled.”
However he said all residents in these localities are still subject to the conditional MCO in the state. – The Vibes, November 16, 2020
