This Is What We Need To End MCO, Says Health DG
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As Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) continues into Phase 3, many are wondering if there is an end in sight.
Earlier in the month, researchers at Harvard warned that social distancing needs to continue until 2022 to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.Â
While no one is entirely sure exactly when this will end, Health Director General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah explains the indicators the Health Ministry needs to look at to give advice for the end of MCO.
Further reduction of active Covid-19 cases
Active cases of Covid-19 have a high level of infectiousness, with the ability to spread the infection to others. A reduction in the number of active cases would mean a reduction in the community spread of the virus.
According to Dr Noor Hisham, when the number of cases reduces, the control and containment efforts are better. This would allow the Health Ministry to focus on high-risk areas, locations, and groups.
Reduction in patients with ILI and SARIs
Influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) are indicators of a Covid-19 infection.
Dr Noor Hisham states that if the Health Ministry detects the number of SARI and ILI cases getting less, it could be another indicator to advise the National Security Council (MKN) to end the MCO.
No new cluster
Another key indicator is no sudden increase in Covid-19 cases in a location, or a new cluster. No more positive cases in a community means there is more no communal spreading of the virus.
Besides the indicators above, Dr Noor Hisham also states that there needs to be an exit strategy on daily routines before the Health Ministry can recommend the end of the MCO.
Life after MCO would mean adopting new habits, or the new normal, which are:
- No large gatherings.
- Practice social distancing – at least 1-metre distance is observed and avoid crowding in small spaces with poor air circulation.
- Border controls – to protect the green zones there needs to be border controls, be it at state, district, or neighbourhood levels.
Phase 3 of the MCO is expected to end on 28th April. However, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, international trade and industry minister recently told Reuters that the MCO might be extended, albeit with more sectors open for business.
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