Government to decide whether CMCO rules will be further relaxed
Image adapted from: Bernama
Many Malaysians were stoked when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was revised to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), as it allowed certain activities that were previously banned such as dining-in at restaurants and going to malls to proceed as usual. However, we shouldn’t be feeling too entitled to these new perks as the government still has to observe and study if this CMCO is able to keep the COVID-19 pandemic under control.
The decision on whether the country will revert back to the MCO or lift more restrictions will be made after 18th May 2020, as that day marks the end of the 14-day incubation period since the CMCO was first introduced back in 4th May. Malaysians were also warned that there could be a 2nd wave of COVID-19 infections if people do not continue observing social distancing guidelines.
Ministry of Health will actively monitor the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia
According to Malaysiakini, the Ministry of Health will review the outcome of the CMCO after 18th May, before advising the government on whether it is appropriate to allow more business sectors to resume operations. This was in response to a large number of enquiries and appeals made from hairdressers who wish to open their doors to customers once more. If the motion passes, Malaysians can soon expect to book their much-needed appointments with their stylists after 2 months of halted operations.
Image credit: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
However, there is also a chance that the CMCO outcome may not deliver desirable or ideal results. With this in mind, Malaysians should prepare to give up certain leeway that the government has granted should we revert to the rules put in place for the MCO.
Image credit: @ScottShuey
While there’s no clear sign of what may happen in the near future, we can still hope for the best by always practising social distancing and maintaining good hygiene. We should also observe the CMCO rules and cooperate with local authorities, so we won’t contribute to the number of non-compliant cases during this time. This is another crucial factor that the government has said they will base their decision on too, besides the reported number of new COVID-19 cases.
Risk of 2nd COVID-19 wave if M’sians don’t practice social distancing
Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has also warned that Malaysia could face a new wave of COVID-19 infections in mid-June. According to TRP, he explained that the Health Ministry’s National Institute of Health (NIH) is able to predict COVID-19 case trends for the next few weeks based on data gathered from Malaysian’s adherence to social distancing.
Image credit: Reuters
If Malaysians do not keep to social distancing guidelines set by the government, the country will be hit with a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. In order to avoid this, we need to constantly follow the SOPs set by the government regarding the CMCO.
As of yesterday, 13th May 2020, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia stands at 6,779 after 37 new cases were reported.
Image credit: @KKMPutrajaya
Changes to CMCO may be made after 18th May
It looks like Malaysians can only wait till 18th May to we find out what’s next in store for us. However, we can better our chances by simply adhering to the set rules, SOPs and social distancing guidelines, so that we don’t further aggravate the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Whatever the outcome, we hope Malaysians will follow government’s orders and aid them in this fight against COVID-19.
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