KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department (JKNS) has advised those heading to Sabah to get tested for Covid-19 three to seven days prior to travelling.
Its director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said this would allow the department to obtain passengers' Covid-19 test results immediately upon arrival to ensure the virus is not brought into Sabah.
Yesterday, JKNS confirmed a new infection recorded in the Beaufort district, bringing the total of active Covid-19 cases to 11.
"This is a local case detected at the Labuan entry point. (The patient) was travelling to return to work.
"The subject is currently being treated at the Labuan Hospital. The cause of infection is still under investigation and close contacts have been identified," she said in a statement, today.
Yesterday, the state government announced all Malaysians from the Peninsula, Labuan, and Sarawak were allowed entry into Sabah via land, sea and air. Civil servants and private sector employees are also allowed to return for work.
The state government also agreed to exempt them from undergoing quarantine on condition they tested negative for Covid-19 and have a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Health.
"JKNS has received enquiries on this matter. At this time, those in the essential services are advised to undergo laboratory test before entering Sabah as a quarantine exemption condition.
"For passengers who have not gotten tested, samples will be taken at the international entry point and the passengers will be instructed to comply with quarantine orders until the test result is obtained," explained Dr Rundi.
She stressed JKNS has carried out many targeted screening against those with high risks at entry points, and detected cases of local infection.