By Muhammad Irfan
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 October 2021: Malaysia is currently on its path to reach an endemic phase with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Director General of Health, Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said the government is assessing a new strategy to ensure a smooth transition from a pandemic to an epidemic.
Despite the approval by the government on interstate travel, he advised all Malaysians to take part in taking care of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain sanitary practices in ensuring the safety of all.
He also stressed that Malaysia is fortunate to have the pandemic under control when compared with less fortunate countries. With that in mind, he urged all Malaysians to adapt with the new situation as we are not fully immune from COVID-19.
“Each one of us needs to play a role in ensuring Malaysia is safe from COVID-19. The principles laid out by the Ministry are clear and now it is up to the people to follow it.
“The world will never be the same again after this. We all need to understand that each action of ours could affect how we handle the COVID-19 situation among the community. We need to adapt and normalise ourselves with the new norms in our daily lives.
“Let’s all help each other to ensure the people we love, especially those who are at high risk are safe, ensure Malaysia is safe and win this war against the unseen enemy,” he said on a Facebook post, yesterday.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the interstate travel to commence on Monday (11 October) and all local tourism to resume after 90 percent of the adult population completed their COVID-19 vaccination.
Following the announcement, it is expected that interstate movement will increase. Thus, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah emphasised the people to plan their trip and take precautionary measures such as practicing social distancing and sanitising their hands frequently.
In addition, he also gave his appreciations to all the front liners and people behind the scenes who played a vital role in reducing the infection rate.
“Thank you to all in the Ministry of Health for working as a team in achieving a common goal which is to control the COVID-19 outbreak in our beloved country,” he said.***
Source: Harian Metro