Analysts: Self-isolation, support must go hand in hand
KUALA LUMPUR: With more positive news coming from vaccine trials, AmInvestment Bank Bhd (AmInvestment Bank) outlined the importance for both the public to play their part in self-isolating as well as for the government to provide adequate support in ensuring this.
The challenge to address the Covid-19 pandemic has again raised concerns at the start of 2021 as the surge in the number of Covid-19 cases compounded the fresh challenge of a mutating virus.
The World Health Organisation on Jan 7 ,2021 had warned that the fight against the pandemic is at a “tipping point”. Being easily transmissible, it means that more people can get infected. This could mean more serious infections and more fatalities.
“Hence, the centre of attention now is to have strong unity both at the global and country level to address the spread and mutation of this virus. It will depend on the measures taken to address the spread,” AmInvestment Bank said in a special report.
“Lockdowns only work if they reduce transmission. And transmission can only be reduced if those who are sick self-isolate.
“Such measures comes at a great cost. Those who are unable and cannot afford to self-isolate will face a choice between financial devastation and compliance. By not providing proper support, this group of people will be forced to decide between their families and communities.
“Such choice is seen as a cruel option. Past lockdowns and movement control orders (MCO) have revealed the Covid19 disparities were driven by differences in exposure at home and work. Those of lower socioeconomic status were hit the hardest by both the virus and the collateral damage of restrictions.
“As a result of the restrictive movements, almost all risk is shifted to the millions workers who cannot work from home, and those who live in deprived areas as well as in overcrowded houses. These two groups often overlap. The new variant of Covid-19 is significantly more infectious. The risk of rising cases remains high.”
Like lockdowns and MCOs, the research firm said testing and tracing will only reduce transmission if the number of infectious cases are being isolated effectively.
“Yet how successful will it be? It remains unclear,” it continued. “Much will depend on adherence to the rules of the restrictive measures. In particular, those in the lower income group and cannot work from home will be badly afflicted.
“This time around, with the rising number of Covid19 cases, unprecedented restrictive measures are set to be introduced. Should that happen, there is a need to provide proper self-isolation support.
“Otherwise, this would mean that there will be protection for some, and pandemic for others. The reason being there are two categories of people i.e. those who have the means to stay at home and those who cannot, no matter how much they want to.
“Hence, there is a desperate need for action from the government. Key workers must be guaranteed social and income protection. Additional support must be provided to ensure lowly-paid, non-salaried and zero-hour contract workers can afford to follow isolation rules.
“For individuals to be able to self-isolate, support should include a daily text or phone call and provision of food supplies and essential goods. There is a need for solidarity and togetherness rather than divisive messaging. Workplaces must be made safer.”
AmInvestment Bank suggested for the government to utilise unoccupied hotel rooms to provide accommodation so that people, particularly those in crowded and multi-generational households, are able to self-isolate just like it’s practised in New Zealand, South Korea and New York.
“The effectiveness of the restrictive measures depends on the isolation of infectious individuals, which is the single most important measure in terms of controlling transmission,” it continued. “If the basic public health brake levers are not pulled up to slow the spread of the virus, it will continue to transmit.
“The effectiveness of the lockdown will be limited if the financially vulnerable groups are not self-isolated. It will be seen as the government shooting for the moon without looking at the rocket’s fuel.”