THE Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) urges that decisions to lift the movement control order (MCO) must be made in stages and in strict coordination with all branches of government and the Health Ministry. We urge for the following to be considered.
1. Transition into risk-based conditional MCO: Some restrictions, such as physical distancing in public spaces, must continue. Guidelines for conduct in public areas should follow a risk-based colour-coded system of green, yellow and red zones. Specific criteria for what constitutes green, yellow and red zones must be developed by the Health Ministry and communicated to other ministries and the public. The guidelines must clearly state the permitted and prohibited activities for each risk level, including inter-zone travel. Criteria for transitions between risk levels must also be set.
2. Phased restart of the economy: It is crucial that any economic restart is done in phases with strict guidance from the Health Ministry. The six criteria issued by the World Health Organisation on April 14 must be met before reopening any sectors or businesses. The criteria are: Covid-19 transmission must be under control; sufficient health systems and public health capacities must be in place; outbreak risks in hot spots and vulnerable communities are minimised; preventive measures for the workplace are established; risk of imported cases must be managed; and communities are fully engaged in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
3. Reinforcing new norms of behaviour: We understand that many Malaysians who are economically affected by the MCO are eager to return to work. However, any restart of the economy must be accompanied by vigilance until this pandemic is fully eradicated.
In recent days, we have made progress. To maintain this progress, we must continue physical distancing, maintain our hygiene practices, avoid mass gatherings and stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Communities must be engaged and empowered to keep one another accountable to ensure that these measures are adhered to post-MCO.
MALAYSIAN HEALTH COALITION
myhealthcoalition.org
