GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians are shying away from public places in fear of another round of Covid-19 outbreak, as tourists and family members are coming back in droves for the long weekend break.
Many Penangites interviewed said their friends and family members had been sharing information on traffic jams and areas with huge crowds on chat groups while reminding each other to stay home.
Civil servant Gina Nathan, 39, said the current Covid-19 situation would not improve if people let their guard down.
“It is so obvious that most people have forgotten to take precautions now. Maybe they feel the virus cannot harm them anymore,” she said, adding that the public should be reminded to always be on their toes against the disease.
Gina, who was infected for the second time two weeks ago, said that the suffering is not something she would want to experience again.
Her sister Rina Rose Nathan, 40, said although she is satisfied with the way the government has handled the Covid-19 situation, more can be done.
“More effort should be taken to remind the public to be vigilant and to adhere to all the precautions, especially physical distancing,” she said.
She hoped that those who tested positive would update their status on the MySejahtera app to enable the government to monitor how the virus spreads and prevent any possible outbreak.
Peter Lee, 78, said he seldom goes out now and if he has to, he avoids crowded places.
The senior citizen said he did not take a second booster jab for fear of complications and believes that his first two jabs plus a booster are enough.
Another senior citizen, Mohd Hashim Samad, 71, felt certain that the current Covid-19 situation, if not handled properly, could worsen.
“People now lack awareness about the importance of following precautions. That is why the virus is making a comeback,” he said.
He urged the health authorities to provide more vaccinations for those who have not been fully vaccinated and encourage people to take booster jabs.
On Dec 20, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that a total of 20,696 Covid-19 cases were reported in a week from Dec 10 to 16.
In JOHOR, the locals have been urged to mask up as those in Singapore are making their way into Malaysia for Christmas.
State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon has also reminded the people to take precautionary measures such as washing hands regularly and taking care of personal hygiene to safeguard their health.
“Every action is very important because it helps to protect ourselves and the people around us,” said the Yong Peng assemblyman cum MCA Youth chief when contacted yesterday.
He also called on those with symptoms to get tested and seek medical treatment immediately.
“Public cooperation is very much needed to curb the spread of the virus and ease the pressure on Malaysia’s health system,” he said.
