KUALA LUMPUR – The government is coming up with a new Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOPs) in preparation for the upcoming Deepavali festival, which is set to occur two weeks after the expected end of the current conditional movement control order (CMCO) in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the new SOP will be tabled during the National Security Council’s meeting.
“The SOPs are expected to cover what can be done and what cannot be done, since Deepavali will most likely involve bazaars and programmes in the weeks leading up to November 14,” he said during today's briefing.
On Friday, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said it remains to be seen if Deepavali bazaars will be permitted in KL, as it will depend on whether the CMCO in the federal territory will be extended or not.
His ministry strongly discourages the public from attending any public gatherings or festivities involving large numbers of people, even if the CMCO comes to an end.
Later, addressing questions on reimposing a enhanced movement control order (EMCO) on Selangor, Ismail said they needed to first get different perspectives from the Health Ministry and other relevant ministries about how an EMCO will affect the state's economy.
“It is true I have received many views that Selangor has too many cases. We are still assessing in detail the suggestion to change from CMCO to EMCO.
“Under EMCO, individuals cannot leave their houses and food must be sent to every household.
“Secondly, the economy will shut down. Shops cannot open for business.
“There are also those who will be without income if they cannot operate their business.”
Ismail said there needed to be a balance between stopping the spread of Covid-19 and the livelihood of the people, even though an EMCO would help the authorities control the public's movement. – The Vibes, October 19, 2020
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