Concern as Sabah's interior registers first Covid-19 infection

By Olivia Miwil - May 23, 2020 @ 12:26pm

KOTA KINABALU: Authorities have detected the first Covid-19 case in an interior district of Sabah which had been a green zone since the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Sabah Health Department (JKNS) director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said the patient, from Kota Marudu, was diagnosed at the Likas Women and Children's hospital here, yesterday.

"The patient came to the hospital for further treatment and tested positive for Covid-19.

"After that, the latest case was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday for further treatment," she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Sabah registered another case in Tawau involving an individual recently returned from Kuala Lumpur.

The patient was placed at a quarantine centre and admitted to Tawau Hospital on May 21.

JKNS is still investigating the source of infection for both patients.

The state has a total of 340 Covid-19 cases – 31 of which are still being treated at hospitals.

Dr Christina also said that they have received many reports of crowded public places such as markets, restaurants and shopping malls.

There has also been an increase in the number of people entering Sabah through flights since the implementation of the fourth MCO.

"This is worrying, as it shows the attitude of the public as 'resting on laurels' although we have yet to win the war.

"JKNS would like to remind the public that by practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask and maintaining hand hygiene, they could help contain the spread of the outbreak."