PETALING JAYA: The recent negative Covid-19 test results of the Omicron index case and seven close contacts bring some cheer, but health experts are advising the public to continue to adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP).
Front of the line: A vaccine recipient entering the hall for inoculation on the opening day of the PPV at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah. Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Relaxation of Covid-19 rules can be considered for those vaccinated as it may encourage hesitant individuals to get their Covid-19 jab, say health experts.
They, however, are of the opinion that such a move should only be done after the majority of the Malaysian population is fully vaccinated.
Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming, from Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, said loosening restrictions might encourage some vaccine-hesitant individuals to get their jabs.
Urgency to vaccinate: The hawkers in business at Cecil Street market, Penang. Dr Azmi says everyone wants their states to qualify for the next phase of the NRP and loosen movement restrictions. CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: With Covid-19 variants now loose in the community, health experts say the immunisation rate has to exceed 50% for the country to see a reduction in cases and hospitalisation, even if six states are in Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said in countries that had vaccinated at least 50% of their population, there was a higher chance to reduce virus transmission, hospital admissions and deaths.
Hard at work: Medical staff attending to Covid-19 patients at Labuan Nucleus Hospital in Labuan. Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The extension of the movement control under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan is necessary for Malaysia to get back on the road to recovery, say health experts.
They said the country had “no choice” while it waited for the vaccination rate in the country to ramp up and start having an effect on transmissions.
Universiti Putra Malaysia medical epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman said current restrictions should be continued given that the average number of daily cases continued to hover at around 5,000, with fatalities numbering more than 80 every day.
PETALING JAYA: With the Covid-19 pandemic raging and many turning to supplements to strengthen their immune system, health experts say a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle should be the top priority.