CMCO: Is it worth queuing at shopping malls?

When the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced, and now the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), it is a fact that it is a difficult period with many having to go through various problems.

However, if everyone wants to do the normal things they have been doing, like gathering, shopping as they like, it can result in us having to bear with a longer enforcement of the MCO period, with the COVID-19 infection still a threat in the country.

One COVID-19 cluster after another emerged, with the latest cluster involving a shopping mall in Cheras here, but with the MCO and various planning, the situation was placed under control.

According to Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, so far, 10 positive cases were detected in the cluster, involving nine Nepalese and a Malaysian citizen.

Although the source of infection in the cluster is still under investigation, it is something that should be taken seriously by all parties as it can occur anywhere, especially in crowded areas such as shopping malls.

For the record, as of yesterday, the number of daily new COVID-19 positive cases detected has yet to drop to a single digit.

In fact, the number fluctuates, from 30 cases four days ago, then 55 and 39 yesterday. .

What's more, with the MCO being relaxed and the interstate travel allowed for those who were stranded at various locations to return home since yesterday, we can only hope that everyone practises self-discipline.

As often reminded by the government, the COVID-19 infection has not end and it depends on the public's discipline to end the spread of the virus and no more new positive cases detected.

Dr Noor Hisham also stressed that although the Health Ministry has the capability, in terms of facilities, it is a joint social responsibility of not only the ministry or the government, but Malaysians to curb the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said so far, the decision to either tighten or relax the CMCO would depend on public compliance to the stipulated regulations and standard operating procedures under MCO.

As of yesterday, the COVID-19 positive cases in the country totalled 6,467 cases, with 1,584 infectivity active cases, while the cumulative number of cases that have fully recovered and discharged from the ward is 4,776, which is 73.9 percent of the total cases.

-- BERNAMA