Soldiers place barbed wire around an apartment block placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order. — Bernama file photo
BINTULU (Aug 23): Longer partial lockdowns could be implemented by the authorities to respond to the trend of Covid-19 cases in residential areas, said Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
He said these lockdowns must be strictly implemented to contain and eliminate outbreaks.
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“All residents in the affected housing areas will be subject to two RT-PCR tests.
“Unlike in the past, the lockdown period could be made longer as the tests will be done on the second and 13th day,” he said in a statement.
He said the authorities must guard against the Covid-19 Delta variant, which has a longer incubation period.
“If more confirmed cases are detected from the 13th day’s test, the lockdown period may be extended,” he cautioned.
With the gradual reopening of the economy, shopping malls, restaurants, and other public places need to manage the flow of people, he said.
Tiong stressed there should not be any promotional activities that may lead to crowds and gatherings that make physical distancing difficult.
“The opening of the economy is for the survival of people’s livelihoods and business but it does not mean that we have reached a stage where we can feel secure from Covid-19 yet.
“The goals of fighting the pandemic have not been achieved yet so no one can afford to be complacent and lack vigilance now,” he advised.
He reminded the public that the key to containing the pandemic lies in self-discipline and strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Do not move and gather in groups as much as you can. Even after receiving the vaccine, everyone should refrain from going to any gatherings.
“Always heed the SOPs and do not disregard any measures that are meant to protect ourselves,” said Tiong.
Yesterday (Aug 22), Bintulu District recorded 39 new Covid-19 cases, Tatau had 58, while there was one in Sebauh.
Tiong called this a warning that Covid-19 has now broken out in many places and is spreading widely.