KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan today cautioned that five parameters should be fulfilled to curb a fresh Covid-19 surge, after the government yesterday announced the easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.
In a statement, the PH health committee proposed a nationwide vaccination coverage of at least 60%, for all high-risk groups and those with comorbidities to receive both doses, and for the healthcare capacity to be below 70%.
It also wants 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.
“These key performance indicators will empower us to transition the nation safely and sustainably, with due care and caution, preserving the fine balance between lives and livelihoods, and the protection of the nation’s economic health and citizens’ physical and psychological health.
“The committee cautions the prime minister and government to reopen the nation with due care, considering that vaccination coverage is still low and uneven across different states.
“We urge the government to learn from its past mistakes and lift restrictions gradually, not abruptly. A hasty and poorly thought-out reopening will only introduce an additional, unpredictable variable to the pandemic equation.”
In a special address yesterday evening, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced perks for those who have been fully vaccinated, including permission for travellers to undergo home quarantine, prayers at houses of worship, and visits for spouses in a long-distance relationship.
In states under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan, he said, residents can undertake inter-district travel, dine in at eateries, and exercise outdoors.
These will take effect tomorrow.
The PH committee said it is imperative to give the “Green Pass” to the fully immunised, which will incentivise others to undergo inoculation.
It mooted that all outdoor recreational facilities, like parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, zoos and theme parks, be allowed to operate, saying outdoor activities are 18 times safer than indoor ones given the presence of natural ventilation and sunlight.
It suggested that travel via public transport be allowed to resume at 50% capacity, with mask-wearing and physical distancing strictly enforced, and that residents of Perlis, Labuan and Sarawak be made eligible for “liberal” intra-state travel.
The Green Pass should also grant the fully immunised access to indoor non-contact sports and recreational facilities, retail privileges, shopping malls, attendance at weddings and funerals, and visits to extended family members.
“These privileges will allow the near normalisation of economic activities,” it said, adding that factories and workplaces can also begin to function at near-full capacity with at least 80% of staff fully vaccinated and regular Covid-19 testing policies in place.
“Safe@School guidelines demand that all teachers, staff and students aged from 12 to 17 years old be fully immunised before schools are fully opened.”
It proposed that the government announce plans and privileges earlier, and to implement them only when the said parameters are met, so as to allow the people to adjust to the standard operating procedures. – The Vibes, August 9, 2021
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