OUTDOOR-STYLE open houses with a limited number of guests and strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP), such as frequent hand- washing and sanitising, are recommended so that Hari Raya Aidilfitri can be celebrated in a safe manner.
Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Professor Dr Mohamed Rusli Abdullah said further relaxations of the SOP starting today did not mean that Covid-19 was no longer a threat.
"As a matter of fact, more responsibilities have now been shifted to the people to protect themselves, family members, the vulnerable and others.
"If there is a need to host an open house, it should be limited to family members and close friends, who we can casually and continuously remind to observe the required public health and safety measures.
"And, of course, the outdoors will be a much better setting for a gathering compared with indoors, especially a closed air-conditioned room.
"Not many houses can afford HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters or proper ventilation," he told the New Sunday Times yesterday.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai said if open houses were to be held indoors, there must be good ventilation.
"Though there are no restrictions on the number of people allowed indoors, hosts should strive to limit the number to avoid overcrowding.
"It is advisable for those attending or even hosting open houses to perform a Covid-19 self-test prior to the function, and those who are not feeling well are advised to stay home."
Universiti Putra Malaysia public health expert (epidemiology and biostatistics) Associate Professor Dr Malina Osman urged people to limit the number of guests or schedule a visiting time to ensure their houses are not crowded.
"We can choose to accept guests or not. To make sure the environment is safe, it is highly recommended to limit the number of guests (according to the space), ensure good ventilation and that all guests are fully vaccinated, including with booster shots, with hand hygiene facilities made available."
Dr Rusli said the people are highly encouraged to perform self-tests before visiting any relative during the festive season.
"RTK self-tests are, of course, recommended for those with symptoms," he said.
"I personally would encourage people with symptoms to restrain themselves from attending any gathering and get tested."
On performing the Aidilfitri prayers, Dr Koh said the public should heed the protocols provided by the Health Ministry.
Public health expert Datuk
Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar advised people to bring their own prayer mats when performing Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers at mosques or surau and to wear a face mask at all times.
"Handshakes are a normal practice during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but to be safe, wash or sanitise your hands, and take good care of personal hygiene.
"If an individual is displaying symptoms, refrain from joining a gathering and being in close contact with others.
For Malaysians returning home, Dr Koh said it is advisable to make a stop to refresh oneself, especially when travelling along congested highways.
"But do avoid lingering for too long at the facilities at rest and service areas, and wear a face mask at all times," he said.
Dr Zainal also recommends avoiding crowded areas when stopping during travels and to opt for open spaces to rest.
"Remember to wear a face mask when in a large crowd and continue to practise the SOP to curb the spread of the coronavirus."
On wearing face masks, Dr Koh wanted people to ensure that they are well-fitted and preferably use the ones approved by the Medical Device Authority.
"Cloth masks are only to be used if the recommended face masks are not available.
"Masks made of cloth have not been found to be very useful in preventing the spread of the virus.
"N95 masks or those with higher grades are more appropriate for workers in healthcare settings and not recommended for use over long durations."