Total lockdown inevitable in light of surge in Covid-19 infections, says Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: The total lockdown announced by the prime minister is inevitable as the number of Covid-19 patients keeps going up, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said a total lockdown, similar to the one held during the first movement control order last year, had been proven to be effective in bringing down cases and flattening the curve.

"The total lockdown is needed to reduce the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths.

"It is timely to prevent the breakdown of the nation's healthcare system as hospitals are being overwhelmed," he said when contacted Saturday (May 29).

Lee also called on the government to provide sufficient aid for the people, especially the lower-income group and small businesses during the lockdown.

"Such groups certainly need another round of the Prihatin package to be able to put food on the table.

"The government has to plan the aid roll-out carefully," he added.

While the total lockdown is in place, Lee said it was also important to ramp up vaccination as a means to continue the fight against the virus.

"At the moment, people have to book their vaccination slots and it is even sadder when those called failed to turn up for their vaccination appointments.

"I believe mass immunisation, which will involve all clinics, even private ones, will really make a difference.

"Surely every district has clinics, which can be used as places to distribute the vaccines, instead of a specific location," he said.

Lee also urged the government to form mobile teams that can go around giving vaccinations.

"There are complaints from the elderly who have to travel far away to attend their vaccination appointments.

"A mobile team will solve this problem and provide better access to the vaccines," he added.

He also hoped that approval for new vaccines could be expedited so that the number of vaccines would be sufficient for everyone.