BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA & NIA NATASHA HASENAN
KUCHING: The sudden spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has everyone worried, with the numbers back in triple-digits.
Health director-general, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has again reminded the people to work together to break the infection chain.
“We have now entered the third wave of Covid-19. Once again, we must work together to break the chain of infection. #KitaJagaKita,” he said in a post on his official Facebook account on Thursday (Oct 8).
Earlier in March this year, the government banned public gatherings of over 250 people to curb the spread.
Whether the government should impose such a ban, including shortening business operating hours, is once again being asked.
New Sarawak Tribune talked to several individuals here for their opinions. Generally, they supported the action of banning public gatherings but would like to see business operating hours remain the same.
Azhar Adam, 54, academician
“I believe that limiting business hours can be counterproductive because it could lead to crowds during restricted operational hours.
“This can increase the risks of Covid-19 spread rather than mitigate it. While the ban on public gathering is a good way to contain the spread, most importantly it is crucial for any gathering held to strictly adhere to standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines.’’
Mohd Faiz, 30, business owner
“I think it would be wise to impose a ban on public gatherings and shorten the business hours for non-essential businesses as the spike in the number of Covid-19 cases nationwide is indeed distressing.
“Operating hours for essential businesses like supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies should remain unchanged because shortening it may be an inconvenience to everyone, including business owners and employees.”
Noraini Salleh, 30, freelancer
“The inability for us to identify or know for sure whether someone is a virus carrier justifies the need for a ban on public gatherings. It can also be difficult to ensure the SOP is adhered to when there is a large crowd.
“Business hours should not be shortened because it can affect the livelihood of various parties and disrupt the country’s economy.”
Anny Chau, 50, teacher
“I agree with the imposition of a ban on public gatherings. Business hours should remain the same as long as everyone follows the three important things — wear face masks, practise physical distancing and wash hands often.
“I think the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases may also be contributed to people no longer prioritising these three important practices.”
Fiq Willie, 23, musician
“For me, the government should ban public gatherings for the time being. Unfortunately, some parties take the SOP lightly and assume that we have succeeded in the fight against Covid-19.
“Countries like Vietnam have been practising strict social imprisonment since the beginning of the pandemic, we should not take for granted the privilege that our government has given us in this recovery movement control order.”
Mohammad Yuzairul, 33, supervisor
“Public gatherings should be banned immediately. As for shorter operating hours for businesses, it depends on the businesses themselves.
“It is better to close early so that people will stay at home and only go out if it is necessary.”
