KOTA KINABALU: Sabah caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal today said control measures are in place to contain the worrying spread of Covid-19 in the state.
He said the measures include prohibiting the entry and exit of people in Covid-19 hotspots.
Yesterday, another cluster dubbed "Selamat" was detected in eastern Sabah, following the Pulau, Laut and Benteng LD clusters.
As of last night, there were 340 Covid-19 patients in Tawau, 143 in Lahad Datu and 14 in Kunak still receiving treatment at hospitals.
"We have decided to have a control measure, but not a full lockdown. But we will manage areas which have Covid-19 infections by not allowing people to enter or exit.
"It will not affect (the election process).
"(On Thursday), there were eight cases. This is slightly lower (as compared to before), but we will constantly monitor the situation," he said when responding to a question on whether the emergence of more clusters in the east coast of Sabah could affect the state election process.
The Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president was speaking to reporters after attending an event titled "A Date With Kota Kinabalu Warisan Plus" candidates here last night.
Asked on whether Warisan will change its election campaign strategy amidst the surge in Covid-19 cases, the incumbent Senallang assemblyman said adjustments will be made, including avoiding hotspot areas by shifting campaigning to social media.
Meanwhile, Lahad Datu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Nasri Mansor said that residents have been advised to plan outdoor activities in advance, as police will set up roadblocks at several areas.
"The Covid-19 pandemic is worrying, especially in Lahad Datu, as there is the Benteng LD Cluster spreading among (prison) detainees and their close contacts.
"Apart from that, there are also sporadic cases spreading in the community,' he said in a statement yesterday.
Nasri said that to prevent mass gatherings of people at any one place, the public is asked to avoid going out to the town. He said residents are also prohibited from conducting any recreational activities at public parks at this time.