WORKPLACE AND COMMUNITY INFECTION TRIGGERS FOUR NEW CLUSTERS

10 July 2021

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: Four new Covid-19 clusters were recorded in Sabah today which originated from workplace and community infection.

State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, said that the first cluster known as the KKIP Empat Timur in Kota Kinabalu began from two different sawmills.

“The index case is a 51-year-old male who was symptomatic and tested positive for Covid-19 on July 6.

“Out of 185 samples collected from close contacts, nine tested positive bringing the cumulative total to 10 cases. Meanwhile, another 175 samples are still waiting for results,” he said in a statement today.

Masidi who is also the state government’s spokesperson for Covid-19 said the new Grandview cluster involved three new districts namely Sandakan, Putatan and Penampang.

He said the cluster was triggered after a workplace infection occurred in a construction company in Sandakan.

“The index case is a 22-year-old male who tested positive on 28 June after having symptoms such as fever, body ache, and vomiting since June 25. The index case was registered in Putatan,” he added.

He stated that based on close contact screening, two more positive cases were detected in Sandakan but was registered in Putatan and Penampang districts.

“In Sandakan, out of 54 people screened, 13 individuals tested positive including one new case today bringing the cumulative total of infection to 15 cases.

In Tongod, the cluster was known as Balak Penangah cluster which also involved sawmill workers.

“The index case is a 47-year-old male who works as a heavy machinery driver. He was admitted to Keningau Hospital on July 6 for Malaria and also tested positive for Covid-19 on the same day.

“So far, 25 close contacts were screened and all came out positive,” he stated.

One new cluster was also detected in Tawau, known as Jalan Membalua cluster which involves community infection.

The index case is a 24-year-old immigrant who works on a poultry farm near Jaan Mebalua. He was tested positive through asymptomatic screening at a private clinic in Tawau.

Upon investigation, 12 individuals tested positive involving the index’ cases family members bringing the cumulative total to 13 cases.

“Source of infection and close contact screening are still being conducted,” he said.