KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government welcomes further relaxation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) from May 1 by the federal government, but no decision had been made yet on how the state will proceed with its own SOP.

       "As announced by the Health Minister, several rulings and SOPs will be relaxed or revoked starting May 1,” said state Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

       "The Sabah government welcomes this, especially guidelines to relax entry of international tourists and steps to speed up economic recovery.

       "However, whenever necessary, the state government will make adjustments to our SOPs, taking into account local needs and the situation.

       "Our main concern is maintaining the recovery momentum to enable this state to transition to an endemic phase at a faster rate," he said in a statement on Friday (April 29).

       Masidi also announced that Sabah recorded 46 new infections on Friday compared with 36 a day before.

       "While we saw cases rising by 10, the situation in all districts in Sabah remained stable and under control.

       "The up and down trend of daily infections occurred on a small scale.

       "No new infections were reported in 12 districts," he added.

       Masidi also said for the first time in months, Friday saw no districts recording double-digit infections.

       Penampang registered the highest cases at nine, followed by Kota Kinabalu (eight).