[Pandemic] 52 [Government: Undecided on whether to end MCO]
[Government: Undecided on whether to end MCO]
According to the Director General of Health, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, six factors need to be considered when deciding whether to end the Movement Control Order (MCO). The most critical aspects are ensuring robust border controls and ensuring that the public strictly adheres to MCO regulations. The current infectivity rate stands at 2,041 cases, which is nearing the target of 2,033. If the numbers continue to decline steadily, the government will consider lifting the MCO.
6 Key Factors to Consider:
Strict Border Controls – Prevent cross-border transmission from overseas.
Implement Movement Control Orders (MCO) – Stop person-to-person transmission.
Staying at home reduces the risk of infection. Crowded places and confined spaces significantly increase the likelihood of transmission (the so-called “3 Cs” in Japan).
- Healthcare system management capacity. The goal is to be able to provide test results within 24 hours.
Additionally, are there enough hospital beds, and is the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) adequately staffed and equipped?
Care for high-risk groups: the elderly, people with disabilities, those undergoing chemotherapy, and patients with chronic conditions.
Can the public adhere to the current [new habits]? These include “maintaining physical distance,” “washing hands frequently,” and “avoiding gatherings.”
Can communities (in each district) follow the Ministry of Health’s directives to prevent the spread of infection?
It is necessary to hold meetings across various departments and agencies. It is reportedly under discussion how to send home vocational school students who have been staying in school dormitories for four weeks.
For reference:
46 [As of 12 PM on April 15, there were 5,072 confirmed cases; a two-digit decrease in one month & infection rate index]
Updates will continue.
Let’s stay calm and tackle the COVID-19 crisis together. In response to the impact of the novel coronavirus, Malaysia announced an “Movement Control Order” (MCO) from March 18 to March 31, effective from 10:00 PM on March 16 (11:00 PM Japan time). In simple terms, this means that entry into the country for foreigners is prohibited, while Malaysian citizens are restricted from leaving the country.
Reference: Notice on the Malaysian Government’s Announcement of the Movement Control Order | Embassy of Japan in Malaysia
