Sabahans told to celebrate festivals with immediate family members only

By Olivia Miwil - May 22, 2020 @ 11:14am

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans have been reminded to limit celebrations of upcoming festivals to immediate family members only.

State secretary Datuk Safar Untong said the requirement is meant to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during Hari Raya Aidilfitri this Sunday, and Kaamatan on May 31.

"We would like to remind everyone to continue complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) as stated by the National Security Council.

"This is for us to continue fighting against the spread of Covid-19 in the community," he said in a statement on behalf of the Sabah Covid-19 Command Centre.

Safar said people should not visit relatives and good friends, nor return to their hometowns.

Open houses, prayers at mosques, any kind of kenduri, visiting of graves or tahlil, house-to-house marhaban, or any kind of celebration are also forbidden.

Meanwhile, the state's total Covid-19 cases remain at 338, with 30 patients still receiving treatment at hospitals.

Sabah Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said the numbers, however, do not reflect the real situation, as there are still samples to be processed.

"Control and prevention activities are still being actively conducted in all districts, including at international entry points in the state.

"Besides ensuring all incoming passengers are checked and screened, Kota Kinabalu district health personnel are also doing decontamination," she said in a separate statement.

On May 20, 1,821 passengers, including 1,026, were screened between 9am and 11pm at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport here. Samples were taken from 791 for Covid-19 tests.