KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expected to adjust some of its standard operating procedures (SOPs) to localized needs following the federal government’s decision to allow certain relaxations for fully vaccinated people.

Among the SOPs considered was whether to require restaurant operators and their customers to be fully vaccinated for on-site meals, as well as to allow inter-district for those who are fully vaccinated.

Covid-19 state spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (Photo) said the Covid-19 state management committee was studying the matter and would make a decision in a day or two.

“The committee is reviewing our SOPs in preparation for the Prime Minister’s announcement, but will make adjustments accordingly to suit our local circumstances taking into account our still low vaccination rate and high number of cases.

“But we need to find ways to allow the economic sector to gradually open up as more people are vaccinated.

“It will probably be done in stages and the announcements would be made within a day or two,” Masidi, who is the Minister of Local Government and Housing, said when contacted on Monday (August 9th).

Sabah allowed dinners last month, but does not require operators and customers to be fully vaccinated, while inter-district travel within the state is not permitted.

Sabah continues to see four-digit figures for the week with 1,247 cases recorded on Monday.

Masidi said there were no new groups but Kota Kinabalu and its neighboring districts – Penampang, Putatan and Tuaran – accounted for 583 positive cases.

Tawau, on the state’s east coast, saw 206 new cases.