GEORGE TOWN – Concerns about causing stigma by naming places with Covid-19 cases must take a back seat, said a human rights lawyer, calling on the Health Ministry to prioritise Malaysians’ lives.
Lawyers for Justice Movement coordinator S. Raveentharan said making public such information will also help combat fake news and allay heightened concerns amid the third coronavirus wave.
He told The Vibes that the public perception is that health authorities are struggling to contain the virus this time around, and there is a need for the ministry to release more detailed data.
“This is inadequate in the information age. There is a need for more transparency and engagement with communities to fight this virus.
“There is a need to disclose the number of people under quarantine and the locations where there is a surge in cases.”
He said the authorities should be more specific when naming clusters.
“People are asking where in the world is Bayan. Does it mean a locality, a house or a person’s name? Be specific. This virus does not discriminate, so we must also be transparent when fighting it.”
Though information on virus hotspots is available on the MySejahtera app, he said, elderly folk may have a difficult time accessing it.
“Also, if there’s a downtime for the online service, how will the public cope?”
Meanwhile, a restaurant at Queensbay Mall has been ordered closed after a customer who dined there last week tested positive for Covid-19.
The shopping complex’s management, in a statement, said it received information that the patient was at the eatery on Friday.
“As part of precautionary measures, the restaurant has closed for deep cleaning and thorough sanitisation, in accordance with guidelines from health authorities.
“The restaurant staff who were on duty at the time of the (patient’s) visit will undergo Covid-19 testing and remain in self-quarantine.”
The mall is open as usual, with health and safety standard operating procedures in place.
“As part of the mall’s stepped-up cleaning and disinfection measures, we have deployed the use of innovative technologies to enhance our cleaning and disinfecting routines,” said the management.
“All high-contact areas have been coated with antimicrobial disinfectant, while the lift cars have been installed with the PhotoPlasma air disinfection system, which is designed to eliminate airborne and surface microorganisms.”
The state has recorded more than 900 coronavirus infections, with the four main clusters being Penang Prison, Seberang Prai Prison, Bayan and Alma. – The Vibes, October 27, 2020
