Media Statement MKN 10 Mei

 By: Hanis Sofea

Based on the increasing trend of daily COVID-19 cases, the Government has decided to take more drastic and stringent measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 outbreaks in the community and prevent a sharp increase in cases.

With the number of daily cases exceeding 4,000 cases and 37,396 active cases with 1,700 deaths reported as of May 10, 2021, Malaysia is facing a third wave of COVID-19 that could trigger a national crisis.

The existence of new variants with higher infection rates, increasing constraints on the capacity of the public health system, and weak compliance with SOPs among some members of society demand that the Government takes more drastic action to prevent the country from falling into a more serious health catastrophe.

Data and science continue to show that assembly activities that complicate social incarceration and the presence of people in crowded spaces are the main causes of COVID-19 transmission.

The chain of COVID-19 infection can only be broken by encouraging people to sit at home through tighter movement control.

Accordingly, the Special Session of the National Security Council on the Management of COVID-19 which was chaired today has decided to implement the Movement Control Order NATIONWIDE as follows:

1. Cross-country and cross-state prohibitions except for emergency, health, work, economic purposes, vaccination appointments and long-distance couples;

2. Prohibit ALL forms of social gatherings including feasts, wedding and engagement ceremonies, prayers for peace and tahlil, dinner ceremonies, birthday celebrations as well as official government and private functions. Any form of seminars, conferences, and face-to-face meetings are not permitted. Marriage ceremonies are allowed with the number of attendance and SOPs determined by the state Islamic religious authority for Muslims and the National Registration Department for non -Muslims;

3. Prohibit all sports and recreational activities except individual sports and recreation in open areas such as jogging, cycling and exercise by practicing physical imprisonment;

4. All educational institutions are closed. Exceptions are given to students who will sit for international examinations. Childcare Centers, kindergartens, nurseries and kindergartens are allowed to operate following the SOPs set to assist in the work of parents or guardians;

5. The number of people in private vehicles, taxis and e-hailing is limited to three people only including the driver. The number of people allowed in the vehicle carrying goods as well as the chain of economic/industrial activities depends on the number allowed in the commercial vehicle registration license. The number of persons allowed in public transport must comply with physical incarceration and comply with established SOPs.

6. Dine-in in restaurants and eateries is not permitted. Drive-by and take-away food sales are permitted;

7. Employers must implement the Work From Home (BDR) policy with the presence of not more than 30 percent of management staff at all times. The public sector BDR is determined by guidelines issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government from time to time;

8. House-to-house visits and grave visits during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration arenot permitted.

9. Aidilfitri prayers in mosques and suraus are allowed with the presence of a congregation not exceeding 50 people for mosques and suraus that can accommodate more than 1,000 worshipers and 20 people for mosques and surau that can accommodate less than 1,000 worshipers. The same number of congregation limits applies to the five-hour obligatory prayers and Friday prayers.

10. The operation of Non -Muslim Houses of Worship will also be tightened. SOPs for Non -Muslim Houses of Worship are set by the Ministry of Unity;

11. Specific measures being implemented in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan is continued.

The effective date of the cross-district and state ban as well as the ban on social activities, sports, and education is from 10 May to 6 June 2021 as announced by the Honorable Senior Minister of Defense on 8 May 2021.

The effective date for the prohibitions and other directives is from May 12 to June 7, 2021.

During this period, all economic sectors are allowed to operate.

Detailed SOPs for all prohibitions and directives contained in this Movement Control Order will be announced by the National Security Council.

The Government will continue to use the HIDE system to monitor the COVID-19 premises and hotspot areas as well as take follow-up action as decided.

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Children and Covid- 19 Vaccines

 by: Hanis Sophia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly 4 million children in the US have been infected with COVID-19 as of May 2021.

 

While most children have had mild or no symptoms, thousands have been hospitalized and several hundred have died. Children with underlying conditions are more likely to experience severe effects of COVID-19, but even healthy children can be severely affected. 

 

Children can spread COVID-19 to others and also can have long-term effects that last months. For these reasons, children need to be protected from COVID-19.

 

What Vaccines Are Available?

 

Currently, 3 vaccines are authorized for adults in the United States. In studies of tens of thousands of people, these vaccines were safe and effective. The vaccine made by Pfizer was recently authorized for children 12 years and older. Two doses of this vaccine are recommended to be given 3 weeks apart. 

 

The other 2 vaccines were authorized for persons 18 years and older but are expected to be available for teenagers soon. Studies in younger children as young as age 6 months are ongoing and if these studies show that they are safe and effective, vaccines could be available for children 6 months and older by late 2021 or early 2022.

 

Are These Vaccines Safe?

 

Children who received the Pfizer vaccine in the studies were much less likely to get sick from COVID-19. Although these vaccines were developed quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, no steps were skipped in testing for safety. Like adults, children can have adverse reactions from the COVID-19 vaccines, including sore arms, muscle aches, fever, and chills. In most, the adverse reactions are mild, lasting 1 to 2 days, and symptoms can be treated with Tylenol (acetaminophen). These adverse reactions are signs that the child’s immune system is building protection in response to the vaccine. Because the vaccine does not contain the COVID-19 virus, it is not possible to get sick with COVID-19 from the vaccine.

 

How Can Parents Protect Their Children?

 

The best way to protect children is for them to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is authorized for their age group, even if they have had COVID-19 in the past. Children are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. Parents who are feeling unsure about the COVID-19 vaccine should speak with their pediatrician who can answer their questions. Studies are underway to learn how long the vaccines provide protection.

 

Children who are too young to be vaccinated can be protected in other ways. We now know a lot about how the virus spreads. Children should continue with physical distancing (at least 6 ft whenever possible), wearing masks, and washing their hands. Outdoor activities are safer than indoor ones, and crowded events, even outdoors, should be avoided.

 

What Else Can Parents Do?

 

Many children have fallen behind on well-child checks and childhood vaccines during the pandemic, so visit your child’s physician. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given with other vaccines so it is a great time to catch up. Finally, to keep themselves, their children, and our communities healthy, parents also need to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

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