Masidi, who is Sabah’s official Covid-19 spokesman, said the state government had not made any specific or additional recommendations other than the SOPs already in place.

However, at the same time, he trusted the public would be aware of their responsibilities in keeping infections down.

“I hope what I’m saying will not be misconstrued as not encouraging people to celebrate Christmas, but it is proven that the virus is ‘most happy’ when there are social gatherings,” he said during his briefing today.

“So, the best you can do is please be vigilant, not only for Christmas but also other celebrations. Try to avoid social gatherings.

“This is not a rule but try to limit them only to family members because the moment we invite outsiders, whose health status we are unaware of, then the possibility of infection will be there.”

Meanwhile, to a question on whether foreigners in Sabah would also be given the Covid-19 vaccine, Masidi said the prime minister had previously noted that only Malaysians will be provided the vaccine free of charge.

“Foreigners, on the other hand, will be charged a fee but the health ministry has yet to issue a statement on the sum,” he said.

He also said the state is still waiting for a decision from the ministry as to whether Covid-19 vaccination will be made compulsory in Sabah, considering the high number of infections in the state.

Masidi said the prime minister had on Nov 27 announced that the government did not intend to make it mandatory for Malaysians to take the vaccine but that it will only be given to those who volunteered for vaccination.

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