PETALING JAYA: There are no plans to introduce Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) for the 15th General Election (GE15), says the Election Commission (EC).
The announcement comes despite an expected increase in infections due to the XBB subvariant wave and recommendations on SOP for those with Covid-19 to vote on Nov 19.
"The SOPs on Covid-19 that were used in the previous state elections have been abolished.
"The election campaigns are allowed without restrictions but the wearing of face masks are encouraged," an EC spokesman said in a media briefing held on Wednesday (Nov 2).
He said that Covid-19 screenings will not be carried out during polling or the setting-up of special Covid-19 tents.
He added that it is up to voters and individuals to take the necessary precaution.
"If it is a crowded place, those with comorbidities, for example, are encouraged to wear face masks," the spokesman added.
On Monday (Oct 31), Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Covid-19 infections due to the XBB subvariant were expected to rise in the next few weeks to between 3,000 and 5,000 cases with the crest of the wave coinciding with GE15.
Asked on the Health Ministry's SOP recommendations to the EC, the spokesman said that there are no plans by the EC to introduce any new SOP.
"We will make announcements from time to time but we can't say yes or no to the recommendations.
"If the ministry says that it must be enforced, the matter will be taken up to the highest level for consideration," he added.
On Saturday (Oct 29), Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there were proposals to set up special lanes and rooms for Covid-19-positive individuals to vote.
On candidates who are tested positive and under quarantine during nomination day this Saturday (Nov 5), the spokesman said that their nomination papers can be filed by a representative.
"The papers can be filed with the returning officer on nomination day on their behalf by either their candidacy proposer or seconder if the candidate is positive and under quarantine," he added.
However, he said that the proposer or seconder filing the candidacy papers on behalf of a Covid-19 positive candidate must be a voter in that constituency.
