TUARAN, a district about 40km from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, has been classified as a Covid-19 red zone after recording an increase in infection last week. 

Deputy Chief Minister II Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the district recorded 26 cases between May 7 and 13, against 18 the week before (April 30 to May 7).

With more than 40 cases in the district, he said Tuaran has been placed as a red zone. 

Areas are classified as red zones when 41 or more Covid-19 cases are registered there for a 14-day period.

Yellow zones have between one and 40 cases recorded, while green zones have no reported cases.

Gunsalam said the other districts showing a marginal increase in cases last week were Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Penyu, Papar, Penampang, Beluran, Kota Belud, Beaufort, Keningau and Kunak.

“There were no deaths due to Covid-19 in the state last week,” he said in a statement on Sabah’s weekly Covid-19 report.

Only three districts – Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu and Tawau – recorded a decrease in weekly cases while 16 other districts did not record any new cases, he said. 

Weekly cases detected in Sabah saw a 69% increase, with 64 detected against 38 the previous week. 

Among others, Gunsalam urged the public to use masks in crowded places, in view of the current situation. – May 16, 2023.