Deputy chief minister Joachim Gunsalam said 26 new cases were reported in Tuaran during the past week compared to 18 the week earlier.

He said Tuaran had been classified as a red zone as there were more than 40 positive cases in the district.

According to a Harian Metro report, the number of new cases throughout Sabah increased from 38 to 64 last week, a 68% jump.

Joachim said the average number of active daily cases in Sabah increased by 40% in the past week from five to seven.

He said an analysis of the cases found that only three districts recorded a decrease in weekly cases – Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau.

Sixteen districts – Putatan, Ranau, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Sipitang, Tambunan, Tenom, Nabawan, Tongod, Semporna, Kalabakan, Telupid, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu and Tawau – did not record any case.

The districts that recorded an increase in the number of cases last week compared to the previous week were Tuaran, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Penyu, Papar, Penampang, Beluran, Kota Belud, Beaufort, Keningau and Kunak.

“There were no Covid-19-related deaths reported throughout the state last week,” he said.

He said the number of Covid-19 patients being treated in Sabah also increased by 6% from 156 to 166 last week.

He reminded the public to keep practising preventive measures, especially wearing face masks in public and crowded places, following the increase in Covid-19 cases.