KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to consider re-introducing the blanket face mask mandate in crowded places and public transportation if the Covid-19 situation in the country deteriorates.
Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye made the call following the surge in Covid-19 cases reported in the country from week to week.
By bringing back the standard operating procedures (SOP) related to wearing face masks in crowded places and public transportation, Lee believed that such a move could help the country prevent the rise in Covid-19 cases.
"If the situation deteriorates, I believe the government should consider making it mandatory for people to wear face masks in crowded places and on public transportation.
"Apart from strengthening immunity (against Covid-19 through vaccination and booster jabs), I believe that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is through wearing face masks in public places and transportation that are crowded with people," the social activist said.
He also advised people to remain vigilant and adopt the highest discipline by adhering to the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus and prevent the Covid-19 situation in the country from spiralling out of control.
"Let us heed advice issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who called on the people to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
"To those developing symptoms associated with Covid-19, do the necessary, get yourself tested and wear face masks in crowded places or if you take public transportation.
"At the same time, those who tested positive for the virus should observe the House Surveillance Order (HSO) accordingly," he said.
Lee also welcomed the move undertaken by the Health Ministry, which has rolled out five key strategies under its Covid-19 management plan to prevent further increase in the number of cases related to the virus.
"I hope the government will provide and inform the public with a progress report on the implementation of these five measures," he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad outlined five key strategies to address the surge of Covid-19 cases reported by the country.
The strategies included early detection of Covid-19 and the SARS Cov-2 variants, community empowerment via TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform and seek), constant monitoring of health facilities and case management, especially to protect the high-risk groups, community empowerment as well as the digitalisation of the healthcare system.