THE novel coronavirus pandemic is seeing a resurgence in many parts of the world, and Malaysia is no exception. It turns out that my homeland, Sabah, is the hardest hit with a cumulative total of more than 8,000 infected cases, so far, in a population of just over three million. The cases spiked in recent days with more than 600 daily new cases, recorded in just the last few days, necessitating more than 5,000 patients to remain under treatment. The pandemic situation in Sabah is nothing short of dire.

Many blame the Sabah election (which I discussed here before) late last month for the renewed and intensified coronavirus outbreak. During the election campaign period and even way before that, candidates inevitably had to make their rounds in their respective constituencies to make themselves known to the voters. Crowds big and small were, of course, attracted as the candidates made their way to disseminate their political appeals to the voters. Physical contact was, of course, made in the form of handshakes and even hugs. Social distancing was often neglected as voters turned up to meet and listen to the candidates.

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