Dzulkefly: This is not a lockdown, this is 'flattening the epidemic curve'

CORONAVIRUS | The restrictions announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to combat Covid-19 is not a lockdown, but a form of social distancing that can "flatten the epidemic curve", said former health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad

"This is nothing like a lockdown at all. A lockdown is when you can't leave your home, there's a total curfew, you can't go out to buy food," Dzulkefly (photo) told Malaysiakini in an immediate reaction to the prime minister's speech tonight.

"It is the best expression of social distancing. It is a disruption, yes, but the end game is to flatten the epidemic curve," he said.

Flattening the epidemic curve refers to reducing and slowing down the spread of disease.

This is so that healthcare services don't become overwhelmed and can provide each patient with adequate medical attention.

Muhyiddin had announced that starting Wednesday until March 31, there will be a limit on public movements in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19. This includes closing schools and private premises.

However, essential services, supermarkets, wet markets, grocery shops and convenience stores will remain open and accessible.

Muhyiddin, in his speech, said many countries had taken drastic measures to combat Covid-19, such as China which has shown a decrease in the virus' spread.

However, Dzulkefly said this was an unfortunate and poorly advised comparison, as the measures taken are nothing like the lockdowns in China or Italy.

"Be that as it may, as the chair of the Selangor Covid-19 taskforce, I am all for this. This is quite in line with social distancing efforts," he said.

Dzulkefly had earlier today advocated intense social distancing, including urging people to stay at home except for essential work or medical visits. - Mkini