Health more important than socialising, experts warn

IPOH: Despite the relaxation of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the fully vaccinated, health experts here are stressing the importance of being cautious with the freedom granted.

Consultant paediatrician and paediatric neurologist Dr Alex Khoo Peng Chuan said the new SOP for the fully vaccinated involves more socialising.

He said with the risk the Delta variant poses, less socialising is definitely recommended.

Dr Khoo said if people dig into the data, and the number of people who have died, and are currently in the intensive care unit (ICU), socialising should definitely be the least priority.

“The data at the present moment points towards an increase rather than a reduction in cases, and the number of people dying from Covid-19 is also too high.

“The vaccinated should do their best to protect the unvaccinated as well as those who cannot be vaccinated yet, like children, and those with poor immunity.

“Thus staying safe at home and limiting social activities are the best mechanisms so far with cases on the increase,” he added.

Perak Medical Practitioners’ Society president Major Dr R. Jeyaratnam said despite the current movement control order, which is not as stringent as the first one in March last year, the medical fraternity appear to be fighting a losing battle.

He said he was in awe as to how such a drastic decision was made when the number of daily cases continue to soar.

“We are seeing mortality in the younger age group without comorbidities, more people are brought-in-dead, our hospitals are overwhelmed and clinicians have to play God and decide who should survive.

“Only 39% of the population have been vaccinated to date, and the Delta variant has hit our shores. People must be very careful with the leeway.

“The decision to ease restrictions should only be made when there is significant statistical evidence of improvement in the spread of this dreaded infection,” he said.