by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK/ pic by ARIF KARTONO

THE Health Ministry (MoH) maintains that the fourth phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) relies on the public’s responsibility and discipline.

Health DG Datuk Dr Noor Hisham said the epidemic curve has been flattened throughout Phases 1-3 when everyone was told to stay home.

“Now with the Conditional MCO which allows businesses to resume, there is more reason for the public to comply with the pre-determined standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he said at the daily Covid-19 updates yesterday.

Clearer SOPs were provided to industries, retails and restaurants, to which all parties must comply and actions will be taken on those disobeying them.

“The SOPs are clear and if the collective population can comply, we will be able to break out of the pandemic,” Dr Noor Hisham stressed.

He mentioned that with more people going to work, there is a higher need to rely on the public’s social discipline therefore, wearing face masks is highly encouraged.

“Although not compulsory, wearing a face mask is encouraged, especially when you wish to be in a public area.

“Social distancing must be done with at least one metre between each person to avoid further transmissions.

“We also hope that everyone practices a high level of hygiene by regularly washing their hands with water and soap,” he said.

As of yesterday, 71 patients have recovered from Covid-19, bringing the number of recovery and discharges to 4,484.

After two days of the triple-digit scare, the number of new cases went back to below 100 with 55 new Covid-19 cases recorded yesterday, bringing the cumulative number of cases in Malaysia to 6,353.

There are only 1,764 active cases being treated at the country’s health facilities at present with 28 patients currently being treated at the intensive care units and 13 on respiratory aid.

Additionally, no death was recorded as of yesterday, maintaining the number of casualties in Malaysia at 105.

Meanwhile, out of all the currently active clusters, the Pasar Chow Kit cluster recorded the highest number of new cases with 16 cases, followed by Sendayan (5), Pesantren (3), Kampung Baru (2) and Madrasah Ayer Merbau (1).

Dr Noor Hisham added that the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry has developed an application called MyTrace, to supplement the existing MySejahtera app to help handle the pandemic spread.

“This application allows the government to implement contact tracing on individuals who are tested positive with the virus.

“Contact tracing is very important in order for us to identify those who have been near the patient or person under investigation, and have them undergo screening,” he said.

The MySejahtera app is used to track “hotspots” which allows users to identify locations and receive information within one km from their location, as well as provide information on the nearest screening facility.