KJ: Covid will be treated as endemic, 'clear' SOPs introduced soon
The Health Ministry today announced that Covid-19 will be treated as endemic and the country will move away from the current total containment approach.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told a press conference this evening that it is time for Malaysians to accept that Covid-19 is here to stay and learn to live with the virus.
He said new rules will be...
The Health Ministry today announced that Covid-19 will be treated as endemic and the country will move away from the current total containment approach.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told a press conference this evening that it is time for Malaysians to accept that Covid-19 is here to stay and learn to live with the virus.
He said new rules will be introduced by the government soon for people to return to their normal lifestyle while maintaining safety.
"The government will announce several steps to simplify the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that we have today so that we don't have too many complicated rules.
"There will be clear SOPs which can be easily understood and can be practiced together," he said.
According to him, the endemic phase would allow more sectors to be reopened and he expects this can happen by October when Malaysia reaches "herd immunity" against the coronavirus.
Khairy stressed there are also some things the public should do to prepare to live with the virus.
He said people must accept the "new normal" as a part of life, including always wearing face masks when they go out.
Those who need to quarantine must also be responsible and stay at home diligently unless they need to seek urgent medical attention at a hospital.
According to him, the Health Ministry does not plan to loosen the mask mandate that is being enforced nationwide.
"We have seen the experience of other countries that loosened their mask mandate but had to reintroduce the order due to new Covid-19 variants.
"Malaysia will continue to be careful and hold on to our mask mandate. We will also continue with our vaccination programme to get the people vaccinated as many as we can.
"The people also must do self-quarantine at home responsibly.
"If we fail to follow the rules of home quarantine and self-control, then we cannot live together with the virus safely."
Report this comment
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.