KOTA KINABALU: Labuan folk travelling to Sabah are no longer required to undergo the Covid-19 RT-PCR or RTK-Ag test following the updated standard operating procedures (SOP) under Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in the state, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

       The Sabah Covid-19 spokesman on Tuesday (Nov 9) also said the manpower capacity is now allowed at 100% in the federal civil service sector, while the state government and private sector would be based on the percentage of their fully-vaccinated workers.

       “Under Phase 4, social events like kenduri, festive celebrations, engagement or weddings, tahlil, birthdays, reunion and retreats, are allowed for fully-inoculated individuals with 50% capacity of the premises and one-metre physical distancing,” he said in a statement.

       Government and corporate official events and activities under Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) will remain permitted with 50% space capacity.

       Sports activities involving physical touch are allowed for those fully vaccinated, as well as hiking, said Masidi.

       He said audience attendance at stadiums has been increased from 30% to 50% of the space capacity.

       “Schools reopening while allowed, is up to the Education Ministry, and the same goes to childcare centres and kindergartens,” he added.

       Meanwhile, Masidi said that Sabah recorded 545 new cases on Tuesday, a jump of 181 cases compared with 364 cases the day before.

       “Today’s spike was due to a lot of new infections recorded at eight districts including Beaufort (+55), Kota Marudu (+40) and Ranau (+29).

       “This is attributed to symptomatic screenings due to sporadic cases still being high, where these cases are always linked to failure in adhering to the SOP.

       “As mentioned before, the transition to Phase 4 for Sabah more or less will open to higher virus transmission risks, therefore, it is crucial that the community remains disciplined in following the set protocols,” he added.