KUCHING: With the vaccination being rolled out in stages over a period of months in Sarawak, it is important that the people must not let down their guard.
This is especially so in view of the current wave of infections coming in three digits in Sarawak.
In saying this, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching, Archbishop Simon Poh called for everyone to continue complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Irrespective of whether you have been vaccinated or not, each person can still help to contain the infection by giving full compliance with the SOPs, he pointed out.
“This is by keeping the one-meter physical distance, wearing masks, minimising points of contact, reducing social circles and unnecessary trips.
“Also, in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters during the Ramadan month, let us intensify our good work with acts of kindness.
“I encourage people of all faiths and goodwill to pray and invoke God for protection and intervention in our worldwide pandemic. Love God and our neighbour, stay positive and healthy, keep safe and take care of each other,” he said.
On another note, he urged those that have yet to register for the vaccine to do so.
“According to the guidelines issued by the Malaysian Bishops’ Conference on Feb 4, the Catholic position is that vaccination is a moral good and the moral principle with regard to vaccinations is that it depends not only on the duty to protect one’s own health, but also on the duty to pursue the common good,” he said.
Poh said each person is to make the decision freely according to one’s conscience.
“A humanitarian principle is to make your decision with an outward viewpoint by considering the good of others and not thinking of self-preservation which is inward looking.
“By making the decision to be vaccinated, one is ultimately making a choice to protect others around the person, namely family, colleagues, friends and the larger society,” he said.
With this, he said thus far when 70 percent of the population have been immunised, the targeted herd immunity can be achieved and it can help to overcome Covid-19 in the community.
“Everyone can make a difference. Each vaccination contributes to the common good as being said, ‘Lindung diri. Lindung semua’ (protect oneself, protect everyone),” said Poh.
