KOTA KINABALU: All deaths outside of hospitals will be considered as Covid-19 cases until proven otherwise.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the classification could only be ruled out should PCR/RTK tests show the deceased was not infected by the virus.
"All deaths outside of the hospitals have to be reported to the nearest police station and district health office.
"The bodies have to be brought to the hospital mortuary by the Health Ministry personnel with assistance from the police for tests," he said in a statement, adding that those tested positive would be managed according to guidelines.
For Muslims, the burial site would be decided by the state Islamic Religious Affairs Council while for other religions, it would be up to their religious leaders.
As for those without religion, they would come under the purview of their respective village chiefs.
Masidi added that the movement of bodies to other districts would be up to the health authorities and police.
Today, Sabah recorded 184 Covid-19 cases with two deaths in Tawau and another one in Semporna.
A new cluster dubbed Kionsom Kecil here is associated with the Kaamatan or harvest festival celebration.
The index cases, a 31-year-old man, was found positive after a screening at a private hospital on June 9 before being admitted to a quarantine centre.
The cluster has a cumulative of 40 cases with 34 samples still pending results.