By Xavier Kong
PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in his address to the nation on March 18, urged Malaysians to “just stay at home,” to be better able to protect themselves and their families from the Covid-19 outbreak.
He expressed disappointment that Malaysians are viewing the Movement Control Order (MCO) as a two-week holiday, stressing that these two weeks are not meant for holidays or shopping trips.
“We want to break the chain of infection of this virus so that the number of infected can be reduced or eliminated entirely,” said Muhyiddin in pleading for Malaysians to stay at home.
He also explained that the MCO lasts two weeks as Covid-19 has an incubation period of two weeks, and that symptoms can appear as late as 14 days after infection. This MCO is to find all of the infected, to remove Covid-19 from Malaysians.
“Should this not be solved at the end of the two weeks, the government may be forced to extend the MCO,” he added.
The virus spreads through close contact. Going out, especially to crowded places, results in a higher risk of infection. He reminded Malaysians to practise social distancing, and to maintain good hygiene.
Groceries and eateries are still open, but Malaysians should not see this as an invitation to not stay at home. He stressed that Malaysians should not spend these two weeks hanging out at eateries with friends, “as much as I like to do that, too.”
He also called for wedding ceremonies to be postponed, citing the close contact to have a high risk of contracting Covid-19. He begged the understanding of Malaysians in this, to cooperate in making the MCO a success.
“This might seem like a small thing, but we have to do this together. Just stay at home,” said Muhyiddin.
“As the Prime Minister, I have a responsibility to solve this crisis for the country, but I cannot do this alone. I need the support of all Malaysians to rid Malaysia of Covid-19,” he concluded. – March 18, 2020
