THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has lauded the Government’s move to further relax COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), calling it another positive development in the management of the pandemic and another step closer to endemicity.
MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai called relaxing the SOPs a “practical step” especially in this phase of the pandemic where more normalcy will help revive the country’s economy and relieve the mental stress that has accompanied the people since the beginning of the pandemic.
“The wearing of face masks still has a role to play especially when in doors or on public transport,” he commented in a statement yesterday evening.
“Though there is some flexibility on wearing face masks outdoors we hope the public will make the right call on when it is appropriate to wear their face masks.
“Bear in mind that many children are still yet to be vaccinated while older adults and those with comorbidities can still be at risk of severe COVID-19.”
Dr Koh also welcomed the Health Ministry’s decision to drop the requirement to scan the MySejahtera before entering premises as there is no longer a need for the app for contact tracing purposes at the stage where the virus is already circulating in the community.
“The relaxation for testing requirements for travellers entering the country is an accepted practice for many countries that have opened their borders to travellers in this stage where the pandemic is under significantly improved control globally especially in countries with high vaccination rates,” he remarked.
“We are concerned about the doing away of travel insurance at this current moment when we do not know if the full reopening of borders will lead to an increased load on our healthcare services should there be an increase in cases albeit mild ones.
“Maintaining the need for travel insurance will take the load off the public healthcare system should the unthinkable occur.”
Yesterday Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that the COVID-19 insurance will no longer be needed for non-Malaysians to enter Malaysia beginning May 1, alongside the end of mandatory masking outdoors and MySejahtera registrations.
According to Dr Koh the Ministry’s protocols set for the Hari Raya celebrations are “well thought out and comprehensive” and expressed hopes that those celebrating will still prioritise safety when they visit their loved ones.
“It is always better to be safe than sorry. A simple self-test before heading back to the hometown can be a lifesaver.
“This relaxation of SOPs is not because we are out of the pandemic yet but because we need to live with the virus in our midst and we must not let our guards down as yet.” – April 28, 2022
