Experts say govt should do opposite of easing restrictions for fully vaxxed

KUALA LUMPUR – As fully vaccinated individuals begin enjoying certain perks starting today, an emergency physician is bemused at the government’s decision to ease some Covid-19 restrictions.

If anything, the health expert said that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement on Sunday should have focused on tightening standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara head of emergency services Dr Mohamed Al-Hadi Mohamed Razhi said this is in view of the record high cases and deaths due to the coronavirus in recent days.

He feared the government’s decision was made without due consideration of its impact, but merely as an attempt to appease the rakyat amid growing frustration over its handling of the pandemic.

“This is actually very bad. What the government should have announced was stricter SOPs, not loosening them, especially with regard to workplaces and industries.

“The announcement was very strange, the timing is really bad,” he told The Vibes, while projecting a further increase in Covid-19 cases in the coming weeks due to the easing of restrictions.

In his national address on Sunday, Muhyiddin had said that, starting today, those fully vaccinated will enjoy a number of advantages, including permission for overseas travellers to undergo home quarantine, praying at places of worship, and visiting long-distance spouses. 

For states under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan, the prime minister said that the public can travel across district and state lines, tuck into meals at eateries and partake in outdoor exercises.

His announcement came on the day that the country recorded its highest death count – a staggering 360 – and on the back of its highest daily infections at 20,889.

There are presently more than 225,000 active cases with more than 1,000 patients in the intensive care units (ICUs), as hospitals are stretched beyond their limits.

Al-Hadi said the easing of restrictions should only be considered when the number of deaths, those in ICUs, and individuals hospitalised reduce significantly, providing breathing space to hospitals to ensure better care for patients.

“More importantly, every day, more than 1,000 Covid-19 positive patients do not get treatment and are left at home waiting to be admitted, because there are not enough beds. This is really scary.

“On Sunday alone, of the 360 deaths, 85 were brought in dead (BID), meaning they have been suffering at home. They want to be treated, but they can’t. Hospitals cannot cope anymore. This is very sad,” he said.

Based on Health Ministry data, a total of 241 BIDs were recorded last week, with 21 the previous Monday, followed by 34 on Tuesday, 21 (Wednesday), 22 (Thursday), 24 (Friday), 34 (Saturday) and 85 (Sunday).

Too soon? PM surely has his reasons

Health practitioner and former Malaysian Medical Association president Dr John Chew also said he believes that the loosening of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals might have come too soon.

This is because the number of people who have been fully vaccinated is still below 30%, way short of the 80% herd immunity target.

“Even if we are at 50% or 60%, I would say this is not enough if you compare this to other countries with a much higher vaccinated population,” he said.

However, he said the benefit of the doubt should be given to Muhyiddin in relaxing the SOPs, saying that the prime minister would have considered other factors before making the announcement.

“It is not just about the numbers. There are so many factors at play, and the scenario is changing every day. It will be unfair for me to comment when I don’t know the wider picture.

“Perhaps it has to do with the livelihood of the people. For some of us, we are comfortable as it is. But there are those who are struggling to survive with the closure of most of the economic and social sectors. Muhyiddin has the full picture, we don’t,” he said.

Yesterday, the Pakatan Harapan health committee listed five parameters that need to be fulfilled before easing restrictions or the country risks a fresh Covid-19 surge, including a nationwide vaccination coverage of at least 60% and for all high-risk groups and those with comorbidities to receive both doses.

The group also wants healthcare capacity to be below 70%, for the government to adopt the “find, test, trace, isolate and support” strategy, as well as for the Covid-19 incidence rate to be at fewer than 250 active cases per 100,000 population.

Senior consultant paediatrician Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS said that the vaccination rate should not be the government’s sole focus in curbing the coronavirus, with other measures also requiring it to be ramped up.

This includes better community testing, improving ventilation and ensuring physical distancing, he said. – The Vibes, August 10, 2021