Expert: Election can take place despite Covid-19

PETALING JAYA: Polls in Sabah can still go ahead on if Covid-19 preventive measures are in place and enforced, say medical experts.

Universiti Malaya professor of epidemiology and public health Dr Sanjay Rampal described the measures announced by the government to allow polls to go ahead in Sabah as “good, appropriate and practical.”

“The election is an important event.

“As long as those under quarantine wear a mask, maintain proper hand hygiene, and have special areas to vote, it should be alright for them to exercise their right to vote,” he said when contacted yesterday.

However, he noted that health authorities must keep a close watch to determine if Covid-19 cases are increasing due to delays in identifying and isolating cases.

“More information is needed on whether community transmission has increased in Sabah to recommend an enhanced movement control order or targeted enhanced movement control order,” said Dr Sanjay.

He noted a less intense and localised movement restriction strategy to reduce the risk of transmission may be put in place to allow voters to cast their ballots.