WITH soaring COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the Government would impose a nationwide movement control order (MCO) from May 12 until June 7.
He made the decision after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) meeting today. This is a sharp reversal from his earlier stand that he would not impose a countrywide lockdown anymore.
Here are salient points to the new move:
- All economic sectors will be allowed to operate under strict operating procedure (SOP)
- Ban on inter-district and inter-state travels (except for emergencies, medical issues, work and vaccination appointments)
- All public gatherings are disallowed, including Hari Raya visits (weddings will be allowed, with a cap on the number of attendees)
- Ban on sports and recreational activities (expect for those done individually such as jogging and cycling)
- All learning institutions will be closed except for daycare and kindergartens
- A maximum of three people in a car (except commercial vehicles such as those carrying cargo)
- Private sector will not be allowed to have more than 30% of management staff at the office.
- Aidilfitri prayers in mosques and suraus will be allowed, with a limit of not more than 50 people for premises that can fit more than 1,000 congregants, while smaller premises that can fit less than 1,000 people can only allow 20 worshippers.
- Tighter rules for non-Muslim houses of worship, which will be announced by the National Unity Ministry.
Muhyiddin said “special measures” for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will be continued throughout the MCO period. However, he did not elaborate on the said measures.
“Data and science show that gathering without physical distancing in confined areas are the primary cause of COVID-19 spread.
“The chain of infection can only be broken if people to stay at home throughout the movement restriction period,” the Pagoh MP remarked. – May 10, 2021.
