The tossing of yee sang is tradition during Chinese New Year, as it symbolises good luck, prosperity, health and all things auspicious. Experts have advised everyone to remain cautious of Covid-19 infection at all times.
SHIRLEY Ooi has no qualms about wearing the mask for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
As among those who were stricken with Covid-19 during the pandemic a few years ago, the 35-year-old advertising consultant knows all too well about the entailing pain.
“I even wear masks to work until today. While it is good that my company allows a hybrid working schedule for staff members, you will never know if the virus spreads again.
“I am not being anxious. I have come to terms that we have to live with Covid-19. But it doesn’t hurt to be careful,” she says while planning to leave to return to her hometown in Ipoh.
From Jan 14 to Jan 28, the Health Ministry data showed that there were 17 deaths from Covid-19. Within the same two week, Selangor recorded 11 deaths, followed by Sarawak (2) and one each in Johor, Melaka, Penang and Sabah.
During the same period, 12,958 have been recorded nationwide with Selangor topping the list at 3,973, Kuala Lumpur at 1,944 and Johor at 1,743.
The data shows that Covid-19 cases remain a health threat despite the comparatively low numbers to the time when the pandemic took place.
As the virus tends to spread easily within close proximity, experts advise those celebrating the Chinese New Year to remain cautious during large gatherings at home or in public especially for those in the vulnerable group.
Yes, wash your hands
Of course, some may ask: should the cautionary measures be similar to during the pandemic?
Well, to a certain extent, yes, according to Universiti Malaya’s health expert Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming. She says such practices like wearing masks or washing hands are recommended for the elderly and vulnerable groups.
The situation remains risky for the latte. In December, the Health Ministry encouraged those from vulnerable groups with comorbidities such as non-communicable diseases to take an additional dose of the vaccine.
“(For occasions involving gatherings) it is a yes for hand washing.
“As for face masks, it is up to individuals who are young and fit. Let them weigh their own risks and decide (whether they should mask up or otherwise).
“For elderly and the vulnerable groups, they are recommended to wear a mask in crowded and poorly ventilated places,” Prof Dr Moy says.
She points out that regardless of the present development of Covid-19’s infection rate today, one should not take things for granted, especially those suffering from symptoms such as fever, troubled breathing and coughing, among others.
“Those with symptoms need to run tests for Covid-19. They should stay home and refrain from gatherings, as the results may only be negative for a few days after the initial testing.
“But if they need to go out, please wear a face mask.”
Moderate practices
But should the safety measures be rigid?
Public health specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar says. At the same time, people still should keep with hygienic practices to keep infection at bay, the important thing is to avoid obviously risky situations.
“Yes (to washing hands and wearing face masks). But not too strict. The most important is for those who are suffering from symptoms should avoid big and packed crowds.”
The World Health Organisation says the virus spreads within close proximity, for example at a “conversational distance”.
“The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Another person can then contract the virus when infectious particles that pass through the air are inhaled at short range (this is often called short-range aerosol or short-range airborne transmission) or if infectious particles come into direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth (droplet transmission).”
Dr Zainal says when it comes to new variants, the Omicron subvariant JN.1 remains dominant and highly infectious.
The symptoms of JN.1 are similar to the previous variants including fever, headaches, loss of sense of taste or smell, breathing difficulty, nausea and diarrhoea.
Recently, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has said while the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia is under control, the Omicron variant and subvariants XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, EG.5 and JN.1 continue to spread.
“The Omicron subvariants are not known to cause more severe cases,” he is reported as saying.
Be aware
Apart from relying on the effectiveness of vaccines, Prof Dr Moy says a healthy lifestyle can help to boost immunity.
“Practice a healthy lifestyle if possible to boost your immunity level. This can protect us from getting infected with Covid-19 or flu.”
It has been globally recommended that a diet high in fruits and vegetables; regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake and a good night’s sleep, among others, help to boost the immune system against infections.
Dr Zainal says people should continue to be aware of possible spread and remain vigilant about their health.
“Be aware. Although Covid-19 is not that serious at the moment, it is still here and can cause widespread infection.”
As for Ooi, she will be packing boxes of face masks on her way home to Ipoh.
“Covid-19 may not be as serious as before, but my parents are not the healthiest of people. I want them to celebrate a healthy, happy Chinese New Year.”
