IT appears that the current version of the movement control order (MCO 3.0) had not been able to stem the tide as the steep rise of COVID-19 infections came in like a tsunami. On May 28, there were 8,290 COVID-19 cases, prompting Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to announce the first phase of a full closure of the social and economic sectors for 14 days beginning June 1.
He said in a statement that throughout the total lockdown period, all sectors are not allowed to operate except for essential services and economic sectors.
And if Phase 1 of the lockdown is successful, the Government will then implement a second phase by allowing the reopening of some sectors in the economy that does not involve large gatherings.
The second phase of lockdown will be implemented for a period of four weeks after Phase 1 is over, and Phase 3 will be similar to MCO 3.0 whereby social activities are not allowed but almost all economic sectors are allowed to operate with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) together with limited physical presence in the workplace.
Hence, it is imperative that the momentum be continued to conditional MCO (CMCO), recovery MCO (RMCO), so that we can all eventually say good riddance to COVID-19.
This is possible if we resolve to contain COVID-19 by taking concrete steps starting with the first phase of total lockdown, which is has already been extended to June 28.
Now is the time for us to take solid steps to move into the next phase only when we are absolutely sure. This time, there should be no turning back by backtracking and starting all over again.
Likewise, there should be no rush to reach the third phase and re-introduction of CMCO and RMCO. The countdown can be slow or slowed down, depending on prevailing developments.
In any case, it is probably our last chance to bring the pandemic under control. We have lost many previous battles, and this may well be our last. To survive, we must win this war, or we become part of the grim statistics.
But if we continue with ways which we are accustomed to, it will soon be game over. If so, whatever we have achieved previously will be obliterated. In this final countdown, all of us must be determined to eradicate COVID-19 infections by stepping up a gear and not carry on with business as usual.
The enormity of this challenge can be fathomed by COVID-19 cases hitting the roof. On May 29, it has already reached 9,020. If allowed to surpass 10,000 cases per day, it would be a matter of time when people in this country will start dying like flies. – June 17, 2021
YS Chan is Asean Tourism Master Trainer for travel agencies, master trainer for Travel & Tours Enhancement Course and Mesra Malaysia (both programmes under Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture). He is also a tourism and transport industry consultant and writer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
