BACHOK: Five month-old twin girls were among 84 individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 from the Kampung Pauh Lima cluster, here.
Kelantan health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the twins are currently warded at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II (RPZII) Hospital here.
"Since the cluster was detected on May 11, more than 400 villagers have undergone swab tests.
"So far, 84 of them tested positive including the twins and their parents," he told reporters after visiting the Kampung Pauh Lima Covid-19 sampling centre here today.
Also present was Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat.
Dr Zaini said the department has estimated that about 1,000 villagers from Kampung Pauh Lima and its surrounding areas are expected to undergo swab tests.
"We expect the process to be completed in the next few days," he said.
Dr Zaini said the virus had spread in the village due to some individuals who refused to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) while performing prayers recently.
"They flouted the SOPs, such as not recording their temperatures and other offences.
"This resulted in the virus spreading within the vicinity and the health department has suggested that the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) be imposed in the village and another sub-district in Kota Baru," he added.
Dr Zaini also said the department had received information about an elderly man who escaped from the EMCO area in Bunut Susu, Pasir Mas recently to his hometown in Tumpat.
"This man who tested positive for the virus is believed to have caused it to spread to several individuals in Kampung Teluk Rejuna.
"He went home to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his family members there after realising that Bunut Susu was placed under EMCO," he said.
He said the health department would continue to track down the man's close contacts apart from taking other necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.