Raya, marriage-blessing triggers three clusters in Sabah

 By Olivia Miwil - May 19, 2021 @ 8:39pm

The spread of Covid-19 which led to Pagar Sg Imam cluster in Tawau is likely due to physical contact, Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said. -NSTP file pic

KOTA KINABALU: The spread of Covid-19 which led to Pagar Sg Imam cluster in Tawau is likely due to physical contact, Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said.

He said in a statement the cluster involved a symptomatic 53-year-old man who was tested positive on May 15.

"The Pagar Sg Imam cluster in Tawau happened because of Hari Raya Aidilfitri visits.

"Close contacts screening was made for the index case's 43 family members who live in four houses at the locality. The tests found 26 of them are positive," Masidi said.

In Lahad Datu, Muhibbah Dua cluster is also associated with Hari Raya Aidilfitri and breaking of fast dinners when a 47-year-old man had met his in-laws at Kampung Muhibbah.

The index case was believed to have been infected when he crossed to Tawau for two days on April 7 for personal reasons, and tested positive on April 16.

Active tracing and screening found 13 of his family members and close contacts are infected.

In Penampang, a marriage-blessing ceremony triggered the Kolopis cluster with 13 positive Covid-19 cases.

The index case is a retiree who was symptomatic and tested positive on May 4.

"The source of infection probably occurred during a marriage-blessing ceremony on April 28.

"As of today, 30 close contacts have been screened and tracing activities are still ongoing."

Today, Sabah recorded 160 cases with one death each in Kunak and Sandakan.

Meanwhile, beginning tomorrow until June 7, a special approval for weddings from the state government would be required to enter Sabah.

Couples have to prove their documents issued from the relevant authorities.

For Muslim couples, they were allowed to bring one wali and only two witnesses while for non-Muslims, only two witnesses on behalf of a couple were allowed to enter the state.

The state will also allow people of Sabah, spouses or families of locals, workers, students, officials and those seeking medical care provided that they have relevant documents.

"Other social visits (than mentioned) will be prohibited."