Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced a two-week extension for the ongoing Movement Control Order. The movement restriction was supposed to end on 31st March and is now extended until 14th April.
During this time, all Malaysians are told to remain at home and only to go out when necessary. According to the Prime Minister, the police have reported that 95% of Malaysians have complied with the MCO.
He added that the Ministry of Health has been making necessary preparations for the outbreak. This includes 3,585 beds at 34 hospitals nationwide to receive COVID-19 patients. At the moment, 34% of hospital beds have been utilised and we still have the capacity for 66% more. If the number of COVID-19 positive cases exceeds supply, several areas have been identified for temporary isolation and quarantine.
The government will also increase its efforts to contain the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Health is working towards increasing its screening capabilities so that it can be conducted at a large scale. This includes mass testing at high-risk areas.
The Prime Minister reminds all Malaysians that the strategy to contain the virus will only work if everyone is less exposed. However, he added that Malaysians should also be mentally and physically prepared to stay at home for a reasonably longer period of time.
For those who have moved to their hometowns, are urged to stay put and not to return back to the city. Students who are supposed to return to their dormitories are not required to return. Offices that are currently closed are not required to be open.
He also urged everyone to stay calm and not to panic. Although the MCO has been extended, he reminded Malaysians not to stock up as there’s enough food supply for everybody. The MCO will be monitored from time to time and the government will announce further extensions if it’s required.
As of 10am this morning, there are 1,624 cases in Malaysia with 16 deaths reported. 183 people have recovered and 1,426 are still receiving treatment.
[ SOURCE ]
