KOTA KINABALU: No traces of Covid-19 were detected on the 179 crew members of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) KD Lekiu, said State Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung.

“None of the crew members had a serious health issue and they all tested negative for the virus, except five of them who are having slight fever, flu and cough. They are safe to depart to Perak,” he said after closing the Women Welfare and Law Seminar in conjunction with Women Entrepreneur Carnival 2020 held at Wisma Wanita here, Friday.

Poon said the Health Ministry has put together a mobile team to deal with potential Covid-19 cases, with testing conducted at the patient’s house.

People can contact Hotlines 03-88810200, 03-88810600, 03-88810700, he said, adding that this will reduce the possibility of the virus spreading to other people. 

 

“If you are feeling unwell or something not right with your body, please contact the numbers provided. Normally a preliminary assessment will be done over the phone and depending on the circumstances, and if necessary, we will arrange medical staff from the Health Office to conduct house visit,” he said.

Poon said samples to be taken from anyone who go for screening will be sent to the district public health laboratory and test results are expected to be completed within six hours.

He said Sabah has set up a test laboratory for the virus and it can deliver faster results upon receiving samples.

“The laboratory was set up recently. Before this, we have to send the samples to Kuala Lumpur and it took longer to know the result. But now we are much updated, we can get quick result and promptly carry out next course of action if  the results came back positive,” he said.

Meanwhile, Poon said the increase in dengue cases in Sabah is extremely alarming and advised the public to be too focused on Covid-19 issue. 

He urged the public to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the disease by eliminating breeding grounds as well as potential breeding grounds such as storage containers.

He said the people should also empty, drain or cover all things that can and may hold water in their homes or business premises.

“Everyone needs to play their part in keeping their homes or workplace clean and not turn it into a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. The number is quite worrying and people need to keep note of their surroundings,” he said.

Sabah recorded 1,432 cases, involving seven deaths from Jan to Feb 26. The number rose by 327 cases or 29.6 per cent compared to the same period last year which recorded 1,105 cases with nine deaths.

State Health Director (JKNS) Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said the top five districts with the highest dengue cases were Kota Kinabalu with 419 cases, followed by Sandakan (261), Semporna (195), Lahad Datu (180) and 114 cases in Tawau.