Now is the time for SOP relaxations for the fully vaccinated

IT IS time now for some respite for the rakyat who have been subjected to restrictions due to the movement control orders for an extended period of time running into more than a year-and-a-half. They need as much relief as can reasonably be given to them.

They could do with further relaxation of the restrictions for economic, social, and physical activity. They also need some freedom to dine-out and take in the fresh air at the parks.

After nearly 18 months of MCO, they deserve a break, especially for those who have been fully vaccinated.

Kudos to those involved, as we are now achieving record numbers of vaccinations per day and it's now in excess of 500,000.

Some kind of concession should be given to those who have already been given two doses. These concessions will also serve as a carrot to those who are still reluctant to register for their jabs.

Some of the activities that should be allowed include travelling to visit relatives, dining-out, returning to offices, going to the cinema, enjoying the parks, going to gyms and clubs - provided, of course, that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as physical distancing, wearing face masks and sanitising hands are strictly followed.

The sooner we get back to some semblance of normalcy, the greater the sigh of relief for adults and children who have been cooped up in their homes.

Let's not wait any longer. It is noted that the government has said some relaxations will be announced soon. But please make the announcement now, and the implementation can follow later.

An early announcement will allow the people to plan ahead for their social, economic, or other plans.

For those fully vaccinated and compliant with all the SOPs, they should be allowed to resume economic activities and eke out an existence. They have suffered long enough.

The reality is that we cannot expect the pandemic to be over soon. Vaccination has given us hope and we have to adjust to the new normal and be disciplined to live with Covid-19 for a while.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Chairman

Alliance for a Safe Community.