Giant step to endemic phase

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia took a giant step towards Covid-19 endemicity with a raft of new rules, with face masks no longer a must when outdoors, registering with the MySejahtera app not needed and social distancing also not required.

Khairy Jamaluddin, who announced the new set of rules, said face masks can come off when people are outside their houses, offices or when they are at a park or bus stops from May 1.

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However, the Health Minister said the community should continue to self-regulate and adopt good practices so the spread of the virus remains under control.

“We have given Malaysians the option to mask up or not when outdoors but make your choice based on the ministry’s advice,” he told at a press conference.

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“The practice of wearing face masks is simple. When you are outdoors, it is optional. If you come across crowded areas, mask up.

“If there are senior citizens around and they request that you wear a mask, just do so. This is what we call community solidarity and individual responsibility,” he added.

“We encourage the public to continue wearing face masks in crowded places like night markets and stadiums. Those who are symptomatic or are having activities with high-risk groups such as senior citizens and children should also do so,” he said.

On a new direction: Khairy (right) greeting Dr Noor Azmi with a handshake while Dr Noor Hisham looks on at the press conference in Putrajaya. — Bernama

However, the wearing of face masks remains mandatory indoors, including in office buildings, classrooms, shopping malls, lifts as well as public transportation including ehailing.

“The use of face masks, especially in buildings and public transport, remains crucial.

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“This is particularly so among those who are at high risk such as senior citizens, children and immunocompromised individuals,” he explained.

Khairy also announced that MySejahtera check-ins are no longer required to enter premises. Entry into premises is allowed regardless of vaccination status.

“Premise owners are only required to check visitors’ risk status on MySejahtera and those who are Covid-19 positive are not allowed to enter,” he said.

From May 1, those who are Covid-19 positive cases may also be released from quarantine after the fourth day.

If they remain positive, they must complete the seven days of quarantine, after which they will be automatically released. There is no need to take a test on the seventh day.

Khairy also said the National Security Council’s negative list is no longer applicable from May 15, adding that authorities are working on operational procedures to allow nightclubs to reopen.