THE Government should establish a long-term and sustainable COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) for festive occasions, instead of drafting new ones on ad hoc basis.
“The people should not be waiting for new SOPs every time another celebration approaches. There must be predictable and consistent SOPs for festivities to avoid confusion and optimise compliance.
“This is a multi-year pandemic and the Government must introduce policies that reflect this reality,” the Malaysia Health Coalition (MHC) said in a statement.
Recently, the Government came under fire for its confusing SOP for Chinese New Year celebration, leaving many to call the authorities to revise it.
One of the issues raised were on the reunion dinner, where only those among the same members in the same household are allowed to attend. Many have pointed out that it was basically, a normal dinner.
Several politicians also questioned the ban on family visits, while allowing night markets to resume operations.
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Touching on the matter, MHC said the initial SOP for the Lunar New Year celebration was unclear, adding the Government should recognise and adapt cultural and religious practices in all SOPs moving forward, especially during festive periods.
“One good example was the Government’s decision to allow the chariot procession to Batu Caves to continue under strict SOP during Thaipusam. This shows how SOPs can be safely adapted to religious and cultural practices,” it opined.
On related matter, MHC urged the Government to step up its efforts in keeping the public informed of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines.
Currently, it said, there was still a lack of coordinated, Government-led public education on the vaccines.
“The Government must urgently work with religious and community leaders to combat conspiracy theories and misinformation that fuel anti-vaccine dogma.
“But everyone must understand that the vaccine is not a silver bullet and the Government must not treat it as such.
“Other public health measures such as physical distancing, mask-wearing and good hand hygiene must continue long after the vaccine delivery begins,” MHC remarked. – Feb 8, 2021
