THE Selangor government may consider stepping up its Covid-19 prevention measures if there is an increase in the number of cases and widespread infection in the state.
"Whether or not we implement measures such as mandatory mask wearing (similar to Melaka and Negri Sembilan) depends on the number of cases.
"I am monitoring the cases. We may need to take additional measures if there is a major (wave of) infections," said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari on Thursday (Jan 12).
"This includes contact tracing measures, for which we may use the Selangkah app if the MySejahtera app is not ready."
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Amirudin felt that the best step for now would be to practise FTTIS (find, test, trace, isolate, support) and continue vaccinations, which is why the state government is encouraging the public to get their booster jabs through its Selvax programme.
"After reviewing the data of increasing Covid-19 infections in China, I was made to understand that this was due to low take-up rates of booster jabs.
"We encourage people in Selangor to complete their Covid-19 vaccinations, particularly their first or second booster doses. An adult should ideally have had at least three Covid-19 jabs (by now)."
As the Selangor government has resumed its Selvax programme offering free Sinovac vaccines since Monday (Jan 9), Selangor public health, unity, women empowerment and family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud encouraged those who have yet to complete their second doses or get booster jabs (if their last Covid-19 vaccine shot was at least six months ago) to do so at the Selcare network of clinics.
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"We should also continue the same Covid-19 prevention measures as practised before – masking up in crowded areas, ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed areas, social distancing, avoiding crowded areas if possible and taking care of personal hygiene.
"If you have a cough or fever, test and isolate yourself," she said.
Amirudin added that the public needs to accept that the Covid-19 virus is around us and it is people's behaviour that controls how it spreads, while policies or lockdowns are interventions that need to be done only if necessary.
On mandatory mask-wearing for Selangor food vendors and restaurant operators, Amirudin said it should be seen as a way to encourage hygienic food handling and reduce the spread of germs and diseases through droplets (such as when coughing or sneezing).
"Whether it is a surgical mask or fabric mask, it is up to the food handlers to decide on the preferred type based on their level of comfort," he said.
"The local councils won't be taking enforcement action yet as they are now at the stage of educating food handlers on the importance of wearing masks."
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Asked to comment on Umno hinting at using the Barisan Nasional logo but willing to work together with Pakatan Harapan for state elections scheduled this year, Amirudin said the matter had not been discussed yet by the two coalitions.
"Which logo to use is a small matter. More important is the collaboration. We need to decide on the what and how, before deciding on details such as seat allocation," said the Selangor Pakatan Harapan chairman.
Amirudin had earlier said that a form of cooperation between Pakatan and Barisan for the state election is expected to be decided by the end of this month.
Amirudin and Dr Siti Mariah were speaking after the official opening of Anis (Anak Istimewa Selangor) Preschool Centre in Section 7, Shah Alam on Thursday (Jan 12).
Anis Preschool Centre is a collaboration between Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (Yawas) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to assist special children, such as those with autism and Down Syndrome, with special education facilities for their personal and educational development.
