KOTA KINABALU: The relaxation of various restrictions coupled with declining adherence with standard operating procedure (SOP) may have led to the high number of symptomatic and sporadic cases Sabah, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

       The Sabah Covid-19 spokesman said the people's eagerness to return to their lifestyles before the pandemic has resulted in people being negligent in obeying the Covid-19 protocols at the workplace and in public.

       Sabah reported 502 cases on Sunday (Oct 24), lower from 592 previously, but Masidi said the number of new cases detected via symptomatic screenings were high.

       "They comprised 179 cases or 35.7% of the total number of infections on Sunday," added Masidi.

       On Sunday, Ranau was the district with the highest number of infections at 56, followed by Keningau and Kota Kinabalu, with 49 cases each.

       No new clusters were reported.

       "From the 502 cases, 223 which were reported late (two days and above from the time the results were confirmed).

       "This means only 279 cases or 55.6% happened in the last 24 hours," he added.