Three more COVID-19 positive cases have been detected among the Kurau cluster through Active Case Detection and screening of close contacts.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said so far this cluster involved two states, namely Perak and Penang.

"The three new cases involve family members of the cluster's first case (case 9050), including a two-year-old child.

"The first case had close contact with all these new cases from visits during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration on July 30," he said at a COVID-19 media briefing here today.

So far, 125 people from this cluster have been screened, Dr Noor Hisham added.

"Of this number, five have tested positive, 112 negative, while eight more are awaiting results. Active Case Detection and screening of close contacts are ongoing while the source of infection is also being investigated," he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said investigations found that the majority of the cases from the Sivagangga and Kurau clusters were linked to Aidiladha visitations.

"There has been an increase in cases among the two clusters of late, especially post-festive season.

"Many of the positive cases from the two clusters comprise family members. There are also senior citizens and children aged between two and 70 among the cases," he said.

Dr Noor Hisham reminded the people that although visitations are currently allowed, they are still subjected to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"Physical distancing between individuals must be practised at all places, including between family members and relatives. Those who are unwell or have symptoms must not take part in visitation activities and festivities or attend receptions.

--BERNAMA