[UPDATED] Privileges in all NRP phases only available to fully vaxxed, reiterates Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR – The privileges linked to the economic and social sectors are only available to fully vaccinated individuals in all National Recovery Plan (NRP) phases, reiterated Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

In a statement today, he said the decision made by cabinet in August stands, taking into account the latest phase designation for states and the dominant Delta variant in the country.

“The easing of restrictions announced previously will only apply to fully vaccinated individuals  for every phase of the recovery plan.”

This comes after Khairy reversed the National Security Council’s (NSC) earlier approval of dine-in benefits for unvaccinated folk in states under Phase 3 of the NRP.

Individuals who are unable to get vaccinated due to medical reasons will have to provide documentation verified by a medical officer, he said.

“The reopening of economic and social sectors must be carried out with caution and care. We are not safe until every one of us is safe,” Khairy said.

He added that this decision includes the safety of citizens while balancing the national public health system and reopening of economic sectors.

“If citizens take the easing of restrictions lightly, it is not impossible that our infection rates will worsen again.

“The first line of defence against Covid-19 begins with yourself. The moment you experience symptoms, get tested and if you’re positive, isolate.”

He reiterated that individuals who take double-dose vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca will be considered fully vaccinated after 14 days from their second jab, while those who take the single-dose Johnson & Johnson or CanSino shots will have to wait for 28 days.

In a tweet earlier today, the health minister said dine-in privilege is extended only to those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, regardless of which NRP phase a state is under, and that the NSC guidelines have not been updated.

A set of standard operating procedures released by the NSC dated yesterday said all individuals in NRP Phase 3 states can dine in, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Klang Valley and Melaka today join Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu, and Sarawak in Phase 3, which sees greater SOP relaxations. – The Vibes, October 1, 2021