Stay safe, stay well as Covid-19 still a threat

WE are in the recovery movement control order (MCO) period and the government has lifted restrictions on interstate travel and almost all businesses but that does not mean the Covid-19 threat to the country has subsided.

In this phase of the MCO, it is important to realise that each one of us has assumed the role of frontliner. And like soldiers, we have one goal: to guard our post and ensure those around us are protected and safe from the enemy.

Those who are travelling to visit their loved ones this week and in the coming days must bear this in mind because the virus is still alive and lurking.

We might have a low infection rate among those tested, and our stellar healthcare system has kept the number of deaths admirably low too, but this pandemic is not over yet – it won’t be until a drug or vaccine is found.

That means the new normal of observing social distancing, wearing face masks and washing hands must continue. And it’s even more vital when meeting elderly family members back in the kampung, especially those with weak immune systems or with underlying medical conditions, as they are at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19.

In fact, if it’s possible, avoid visiting them for a while more.

If you must visit, avoid crowded places, close contact even with family and friends, and don’t share cutlery and crockery during meals.

It is better for us and for them to be safe now than sorry later.

It can be difficult in many circumstances to practise the new way of life but we must all understand that we become targets if we fail to observe these basic healthcare guidelines.

So let’s not let our guard down and allow another wave of Covid-19 infections to bring our economy to a standstill again.

Each and every one of us has an important social role to play in keeping the #KitaJagaKita (we look out for one another) attitude in mind to safeguard the nation’s health and get the battered economy going again.