According to Hishammuddin, Malaysia would have only one SOP but nine rules once the country transitions to endemic phase on April 1.
As the country transitions into the Covid-19 endemic phase, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today that there will be only one standard operating procedure (SOP) but nine guidelines.
Hishammuddin, who is also the head of the Covid-19 Quartet Ministers Meeting, said that, in partnership with the National Security Council (NSC), a website describing the SOP and guidelines is already in the final stages of development and should be up and operating two weeks before April 1.
Apart from the opening of the country’s borders, especially for those who have been separated from their husbands, wives, and family members for a long time, it’s also crucial to note that there is just one SOP and nine rules in this Phase. It’s one of the phase’s seven most critical pillars, especially in the country’s attempt to reclaim some sort of normalcy,” he said.
The single SOP in the ‘Transition to Endemic’ phase has been streamlined from the 181 SOPs enforced by the National Recovery Plan, but it will still be implemented under Act 342 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, according to Hishammuddin.
He went on to say that the single SOP had ten requirements. People should continue to wear face masks in public places; shops should adhere to their respective permits or licences’ operating hours; maintain hand hygiene; use the MySejahtera app to scan QR codes before entering premises; maintain physical distance; ensure good ventilation and clean premises; and follow vaccination requirements for certain activities.
Other responsibilities include performing Covid-19 detection tests in accordance with the National Testing Strategy and managing suspected or confirmed cases according to Ministry of Health standards.
During the National Recovery Plan Phase, the public followed all ten of these standards. As a result, he believes that we can continue to apply it to the best of our abilities at all levels of society.
Meanwhile, as part of the ‘Transition to Endemic’ Phase, in which we must learn to live with the Covid-19 virus and prioritise self-discipline, it is critical that we understand the hazards of Covid-19 transmission and take preventative steps, he said.
The nine rules, according to Hishammuddin, will not be enforced, but rather serve as advice for people to be aware of the potential of Covid-19 infections when partaking in particular activities.
They were created, he explained, to assist individuals in making healthier choices in their daily activities for themselves and their loved ones.
Transportation and travel, education and care, retail, food and beverage activities, closed and open workspaces, events, entertainment and tourist attractions, hotels and homestays, religious, marital, and funeral affairs, and sports and recreational activities are all covered by the nine guidelines.
His heartfelt gratitude to all Keluarga Malaysia members who have backed the government’s efforts to combat Covid-19. This involves following SOPs and receiving immunizations and booster shots.
Our combined efforts have allowed the country to enter the ‘Transition to Endemic’ Phase on April 1. Let us keep moving forward in our efforts to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones from Covid-19.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said yesterday that the transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19 will begin on April 1.
Owing to issues surrounding the increase in cases due to the Omicron form, Malaysia postponed its transition to the endemic stage, which was scheduled for last year, followed by disastrous floods in eight states in December.
