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KOTA KINABALU: The Covid-19 situation in Sabah, despite being serious, still does not justify a total shutdown, says the state’s Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Masidi Manjun.
Masidi, who is tasked with overseeing Covid-19 affairs in Sabah, however, said the state government is open to any suggestions that see the curve flattening.
“The National Security Council will consider all existing options, taking into account the spread of the virus here and in the country.
“At this point, we are not yet at that stage. But that is an option that can be considered in the future, so that we can reduce the cases and control the pandemic, ”he said when asked about the possibility of a shutdown in the state on Monday (October 19).
Masidi, however, reiterated that any decision must be made with care, as it will also have big implications.
“It is not just about Covid-19, we must take into account our economy, which has not recovered since the first motion control order (MCO) in March.
“Second, you have to keep in mind that not everyone has a fixed salary and there are those whose daily income comes from business as a way to support their families,” he said.
Sabah recorded 643 new cases today, with three deaths.
On the backlog of sample results, Masidi said he was informed that the Health Ministry has appointed private medical institutions to help with the processing of test samples that will help speed up new and old cases.
“I believe that in the next few days we will be able to have a real picture in Sabah once the pending work has been completed,” he added.
Meanwhile, Masidi said the state has also developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the activities of two state ministries, namely his and Public Works.
SOPs include a health protocol for markets that are open from 6 am to 2 pm with 50% worker capacity.
It also includes places such as malls, department stores, retail stores, workshops and salons (only for basic hair cutting and washing services), which can operate from 6 am to 6 pm with half their capacity.
SOPs for other state ministries will be shared later, he said.
Masidi also said that sports and recreational activities are not yet allowed in Sabah.
In another development, he said the Sabah government is considering expanding the food basket program to other groups in need.
“This will be announced in the next sessions,” he added.
Currently, the food baskets are being distributed to individuals in the selected MCO enhanced areas, as well as to families who are quarantined during the conditional MCO.
“I also want to assure people that we have a sufficient supply of food in Sabah, that there is no need to panic,” Masidi said.
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