KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not intend to impose a total lockdown despite the latest surge in Covid-19 cases.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said instead the government would implement targeted enhanced movement control order (MCO) at identified areas with high Covid-19 cases.
The Prime Minister said if the government were to reintroduce a national lockdown, it would have a huge impact on the country’s economy.
“Instead, the government will implement targeted enhanced MCO in areas with high Covid-19 cases.
“With this, the economic and social activities at other areas which are unaffected can continue with adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said in his special address today from his residence, which was broadcast live on several local television stations and social networking site Facebook.
He added: “So far, the economic recovery process is running smoothly. Whatever decision is taken, it is necessary to take into account the interests of our 15 million people who go out to work. This is important to ensure the survival of the people and the economic stability of the country.”
On thedecision to close schools nationwide he said it will be made at the Special Meeting of the National Security Council on the Management of Covid-19.
He said the decision will be made based on need and upon advice from the Ministry of Health (MoH).
“The Ministry of Education (MoE) is always monitoring the current situation of Covid-19 in schools nationwide.
“If there were cases involving those in schools, the MOE will work with the MoH in handling it,” he said.
Muhyiddin said the MoH would also inform the MoE on the necessary moves to be taken to ensure health and safety of all schoolchildren, teachers and school staff.
Realising that many parents were worried about their children’s attendance at school, he said the government had so far decided to only close the schools in the red zones, namely in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna in Sabah. – Bernama
