'Kenduri akikah' triggers new Covid-19 cluster, 14 people infected

 By Olivia Miwil - March 11, 2021 @ 8:24pm

Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said since March 1, 41 close contacts have been screened. To date, 14 people have tested positive. - NSTP/File pic/for illustration purposes only

KOTA KINABALU: A woman who organised a "kenduri akikah" at her home has emerged as the index case of a new Covid-19 cluster in Kalabakan, Tawau.

The woman held the kenduri at her home in Kampung Jambatan 1 Bombalai on Feb 20.

Within a week, the 59-year-old woman developed symptoms and underwent Covid-19 screening at a medical centre in Tawau on Feb 26.

She later tested positive for Covid-19 and has become the index case for the Jambatan 1 Bombalai cluster.

Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said since March 1, 41 close contacts have been screened. To date, 14 people have tested positive.

"Contact tracing is still ongoing," he said in a statement today.

Sabah today recorded 61 new Covid-19 cases, of which 41 were infected via close contacts.

As for the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) at Kampung Sinsingon and Kampung Lotong in Nabawan, Masidi said it would be extended to March 26 after considering the risks of infection.

"As of now, the Health Ministry has conducted 674 screenings with 81 people testing positive.

"The ministry also confirmed there are still 322 samples awaiting results and there are still new Covid-19 cases being reported daily at the locality."

On Covid-19 vaccinations, 2,484 people received their first dose today, which means Sabah has inoculated a total of of 19,032 frontliners so far.