As CMCO rolls out, Health DG reminds Malaysians to adhere to guidelines

By Xavier Kong

HEALTH director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah reminded Malaysians and businesses to stick to the guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP) required of companies that are opening for business during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

He noted that the war against Covid-19 is still ongoing, and everyone has to play a part in keeping numbers down.

Today, 71 new recoveries were discharged, bringing the total to 4,484 recoveries. Confirmed cases now total 6,353, with 55 new cases reported today. Of these, seven are imported cases, and 24 are from within Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) zones.

This brings the number of active transmission cases being treated to 1,764. Of these, 28 are being treated in intensive care units, with 13 on ventilator support. No deaths were reported today, keeping the death toll at 105.

A total of 27,841 returning Malaysians have been quarantined since April 3, and 15,393 have completed their 14-day quarantine period. Of these, 333 cases were found positive.

Dr Noor Hisham noted that during the CMCO, while allowing for businesses to reopen, it is imperative that the businesses adhere to the guidelines. At the same time, Malaysians need to practise their social responsibility in exercising social distancing and compliance towards the SOP that has been issued. Non-compliant persons and companies will be charged accordingly.

“It is still early for us to judge non-compliance at this time. However, the SOP is clear, and we would like to urge all Malaysians to practise social distancing,” he said, adding that Taiwan and South Korea had social discipline in place, without implementing any form of lockdown or movement control.

Dr Noor Hisham warned that non-compliance bears the risks of increasing the infectivity among the community. As such, he advised Malaysians to practise social responsibility and wear masks for the protection of themselves and others. – May 4, 2020