NEW COVID-19 CLUSTERS DETECTED IN KINABATANGAN, PAPAR

19 July 2021

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: New Covid-19 clusters have been identified in Kinabatangan and Papar today, known as the Pauh cluster and Angsana cluster.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the Pauh cluster involved infections among communities in Kg Pauh in Mukim Buang Sayang, Kinabatangan.

"The index case of the cluster is a 21-year-old Indonesian plantation worker. He tested positive for the virus on July 12 and is currently receiving treatment in the Duchess Of Kent Hospital, Sandakan.

"Following the case, 23 individuals who are mostly family members and close contacts were found to have tested positive for the virus," he said in a press statement today.

According to Masidi, active investigation and contact tracing, as well as disinfection works, are currently being conducted.

Meanwhile, in Papar, the Angsana cluster was first detected when its index case, a 66-year-old kidney patient who is seeking treatment at a private dialysis centre at Jalan Lintas, Kepayan, tested positive for the virus on July 10.

"A total of 29 out of 77 individuals screened tested positive, including seven new positive cases reported today.

"The cases involve close contacts in Kg Seberang Benoni, Kg Takis, Kg Surati and Taman Aman Suria in Papar,” he added.

Masidi stated that 48 samples came back negative while 19 others are still waiting for results.

“Close contact activities, disinfection and investigation of the cause of infection are still being conducted,” he said.