KOTA KINABALU: It is unlikely that the higher number of Covid-19 cases in Ranau and Kota Belud was triggered by a surge in domestic tourists, says state Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

       "Looking at the location of the higher rate of infections, I don’t think so," he said when asked if the cases in the two districts could be linked to the large numbers of locals flocking to the areas with the easing of inter-district travel.

       Ranau, which is home to Mount Kinabalu, and Kota Belud, which is popular for outdoor camping holidays, have seen many locals from Kota Kinabalu and neighbouring areas head there for holidays since the lifting of the inter-district travel ban.

       Disclosing that Sabah recorded 450 new cases on Monday (Oct 25), its lowest since July 16, Masaid said the two districts (Ranau and Kota Belud) had each surpassed the 50-case mark while 19 other districts saw fewer than 20 cases.

       He said 16 districts recorded a decrease in cases, eight recorded an increase and three remained unchanged.

       "Kota Belud and Ranau continued to account for the highest number of new Covid-19 infections while other districts began to show a declining trend.

       "Today, Kota Belud recorded the highest number of cases with 64, followed by Ranau with 54," he added.

       Of the 450 new cases, 266 or 59.11% were cases that occurred in the last 24 hours while the rest were cases registered a few days after the screening results were obtained.