Covid-19: Concerns grow at the prospects of an MCO extension

KOTA KINABALU: It is almost a week into the movement control order (MCO), but cases of Covid-19 continue to increase and more deaths are recorded.

For many, this situation is far from what they hoped for and the possibility of the MCO being extended is starting to worry them, with most fearing that the virus would get to them or their loved ones eventually.

Sales executive Mellisa Jacob just wants to see her family and loved ones healthy and free from Covid-19.

“We also hope there will be enough food and necessities for everyone throughout this ordeal, ” said the 31-year-old mother of two daughters.

She said she hoped all frontliners would get all the support needed to keep the country going.

As for herself and her husband, she said she hoped their employers would not stop paying their salaries just yet, even if the MCO had to be extended.

Apart from concerns of the virus spreading, Sabah Parks contract employee Jeremy Lee, 29, is also worried about his wages, which are calculated on a daily basis.

“Economically, this will be very distressing to many – how long are stocks of food going to last if the MCO is to be extended?” said the father of three.

Jeannifer Sudian, 36, said apart from the obvious fear of contracting the virus, she also worried that the national and global economy would suffer from stalled businesses, among other factors.

Denise Benedict, a housewife, said she hoped everyone would take care of their health and take supplements as the Covid-19 virus would be more dangerous to those with weaker immune systems.

She said if the situation worsens and people were still not able to work, they wouldn't have enough money for food and bills.

“Yes, there are banks and other good landlords who are willing to reduce rent and delay payments, but for how long?” she said.

Denise said that in the long run, the stocks of food would also start to go down, and it would be more chaotic with panicked consumers not able to get their supplies.

Retail manager Martha Martin, 32, said that apart from health concerns, she worried about her financial stability.

“Yes, maybe we can survive this for a month, but what if it’s more than that? We won’t get our salaries, we will not have money, no food and other essential supplies and by then, what’s going to happen?” she said.

As for mother of two Christine Bruwin, apart from all the above concerns, she is also concerned about her two girls’ studies.

“They can’t go to school and I teach them at home, but if this prolongs, I don’t know if they can catch up when school reopens, ” she said.