Three-phase lockdown to kick-off with 'total lockdown' on June 1

 

The Prime Minister's Office has announced a three-phase lockdown that will start with a "total lockdown" from June 1 to June 14.

"Throughout this period, all sectors are not allowed to operate except for essential economic and services sectors that will be listed by the National Security Council," the PMO said in a statement today.

It said the decision was made by the NSC meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin this evening, in light of the country's worsening Covid-19 situation.

If the first phase is successful in bringing down the daily Covid-19 cases, the second phase will be implemented to allow the reopening of certain economic sectors that do not involve large gatherings and can maintain physical distancing.

This will last for four weeks after the first phase has ended.

At the end of the second phase, the third phase will be similar to the movement control order restrictions presently in force.

This means social activities are not allowed, while nearly all economic sectors are allowed to operate subject to strict standard operating procedures and restrictions on the number of people allowed to be physically present at workplaces.

"However, the decision to move from one phase to the next is subject to risk assessments by the Health Ministry.

"The evaluation will be made based on developments in daily cases and the capacity of hospitals nationwide to treat Covid-19 patients," the PMO said.

[More to follow] - Mkini