“In Labuan, we believe we already have a variant of concern (B.1.617.2/Delta), as we can see that Covid-19 is spreading wider now in our community.

“It was one of the reasons for the massive surge in cases. The symptoms are severe if anyone gets infected with the Delta strain,” he said today.

Ismuni said the rapid movement of people during the Hari Raya celebration had led to the wider spread of infections.

“We have also identified a large family group living in a cramped and congested house which caused the spread of the virus among the family members, and that has led to difficulties in stabilising the case.

“Looking at the trend of Covid-19 positive cases, we are moving towards a plateau with triple-digit positive cases reported the past few days,” he added.

Ismuni said as the Delta strain was found to have a higher infection rate, the situation needed to be taken seriously by the local community, and if SOPs continue to be violated, it would be more difficult to curb the pandemic on the island.

He disclosed that a number of companies in the essential services sector had to be closed temporarily for sanitisation after several positive cases were detected among their employees.

“A mass screening is being conducted from 800 to 2,000 samples with the help of private clinics,” he said.

According to him, Labuan recorded 191 cases yesterday (including seven new deaths), partly attributed to four active clusters – Patau-Patau with 23 cases, Simpang Sahari (16), Simpang Sungai (seven) and Victoria Merdeka (12).

Also making up the total number were 62 cases from close contact screening, 51 through symptomatic screening and the rest involving goods transporters from mainland Sabah and individuals under self-quarantine.

Today, the financial-centre island recorded 200 new cases, bringing the cumulative number to 5,352.

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