Non-compliance with SOP the reason behind continuous new infections in Sabah

 By Olivia Miwil - June 23, 2021 @ 9:33pm

KOTA KINABALU: Non-compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) continues to be the reason behind new Covid-19 infections in the state, said Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

While Covid-19 cases have gone down from 193 yesterday to 129 today, he said seven deaths were recorded today with two in Tawau, and one each in Sandakan, Kunak, Kudat, Penampang and Keningau.

"There is a decrease in daily infections, with two districts namely Beluran and Tenom are now green zones.

"However, with 66 cases detected from close contact screening, we can summarise the possibility that people have failed to comply to the SOP despite constant reminders by the government," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu member of parliament Chan Foong Hin has asked that the state government look into having its own recovery plan.

He said while the nation was anticipating for the total lockdown to be lifted after June 28, the state government should make decisions based on the situation in Sabah. 

"The state government should take a different approach, as the situation in Sabah is improving compared to other states.

"The state has seen a decline in positive Covid-19 cases over the last three days, with less than 200 cases daily," he said in a joint statement with Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe.

Chan said several factors should also be taken into consideration before allowing certain sectors to reopen with every phase of the recovery plan, under strict SOP.

"The government should consider reopening sectors to allow businesses such as hairdressing, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic, physiotherapy, beauty salons, boutiques and others, with strict SOP.

"However, social activities and (public) events must be strictly prohibited to prevent any unnecessary clusters."

Chan added that with the recent launch of Sabah Zero-Covid-19 campaign, it was hoped that the government would be able to meet its target of administering 30,000 vaccines daily, and speed up the vaccination programme.