Malaysia is not ready to lift the Movement Control Order (MCO), implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, in the near future due to many issues that still need to be addressed, said senior consultant paediatrician, Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS.
According to the former head of the paediatric department at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, Perak, out of the six criteria listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) with regard to lifting the movement order, Malaysia was still lacking in four aspects -- testing and screening, health system capacity, contact tracing and, most importantly, community’s mindset.
The six criteria listed by WHO are transmission is under control; health systems are able to detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact; hot spot risks are minimised in vulnerable places, such as nursing homes; schools, workplaces and other essential places have established preventive measures; the risk of importing new cases can be managed; and communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal.
“I do not believe that the general public has fully grasped and adopted all the necessary preventive measures, such as social distancing, to stop the spread of COVID-19. We cannot only have 50 per cent of 70 per cent of people who are compliant.
“To stop the spread of this disease, according to WHO, almost all of society must abide by these measures and take responsibility. I don’t think the public has fully understood this,” he said at the webinar session organised by Science Media Centre (SMC) Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) yesterday.
Among the panellists were Universiti Cyberjaya consultant clinical psychologist Assoc Prof Dr Zubaidah Jamil Osman and Science Communication expert and co-founder of SMC Malaysia Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan.
Commenting further, Dr Amar said the 33 new cases of COVID-19 among patients of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in the last two weeks showed that the virus was still spreading within the community.
“What we have yet to understand is that although it is under control, people are still being infected, which means the virus is still spreading from one person to another in our society. If we are not careful, the virus will continue to spread and there will be an even larger second and third wave,” he said.
Dr Amar also shared guidelines produced by the National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC), which among others train teachers and parents on preventive measures which include physical distancing of students in classrooms and school compounds.
“I cannot imagine 40 students sitting in a classroom with one teacher. That is very dangerous. It is unlikely that the disease will be fatal for children nor will they fall severely ill, but they could carry the infection to their parents and grandparents,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Zubaidah urged the public to be mentally prepared to accept the new normal post-MCO, including social distancing and staying at home.
She said that it was important to distinguish physical distancing from social distancing and suggested that the public continue to keep in touch with their families, friends and community members through social media and technology.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Apr 26 2020
Malaysia is not ready to lift the Movement Control Order (MCO) in the near future. - Bernama
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.