THERE are no clusters from schools in Sabah despite two pupils testing positive for Covid-19, said director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Noor Hisham said from the two cases in Sabah came from a pupil who did not attend school but was detected during screening, while the other case was detected when the student was referred to the hospital for having complications of burns.

“One (pupil) did not attend school. The patient had fever and was treated. We did the screening and it was positive for Covid-19.

“The other case we detected, she had complications of burns and was referred to the hospital.

“Both have been admitted to the hospital and we have isolated them and are treating them,” he said in a press conference at Putrajaya today. 

He said samples have been taken at the schools and none of the teachers or pupils were infected at the moment, assuring that there is no new cluster from schools.

Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported that a school pupil was among four individuals confirmed to have contracted Covid-19 on July 27 in Sabah.

Sabah Health Department (JKNS) director Dr Christina Rundi said the pupil, referred to as the 389th case, is currently being treated at the Likas Women and Children’s Hospital.

As for the Sivagangga cluster in Kedah, there was a news report yesterday saying that several kindergartens in Kubang Pasu were ordered to close following the spread of Covid-19 in the district. 

However, Noor Hisham said that although the cluster has been identified, the ministry did not suggest closure of any schools or kindergartens.

Instead, he suggested the places to be disinfected and cleaned.

He also said as of noon today, a total of 143 individuals have been screened for the cluster. 

“Six were tested positive, 67 negative and the remaining 70 are still waiting for the result. 

“The 70 who are waiting for results have been placed under home surveillance order,” he said. 

Noor Hisham assured that the ministry is actively doing public health intervention in Kedah and in Sabah. – July 30, 2020.