SOP on reopening of childcare centres to be known today

CORONAVIRUS | The standard operating procedure (SOP) pertaining to the opening of child nurseries and kindergartens during the fourth phase of movement control order (MCO) will be announced today.

Senior Minister (security cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob, at a press conference yesterday, said the matter will be discussed today at the special ministers' meeting on the MCO.

During the same meeting, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri is also expected to discuss the SOP on related matters, while the Youth and Sports Ministry will raise matters on sports events, such as football leagues.

Phase four of the MCO also saw the government giving some leeway by allowing two people to travel in one vehicle, but they have to be from one family living in the same house and limited to going out to buy food and daily essential items.

Previously, only the household head was allowed to go buy food and daily essential items.

The permission of movement has been extended to seek healthcare or medical services outside a 10km radius if the items or services are not available within that distance of the individual’s home.

On punishment for MCO defiers, Ismail Sabri said there is no such thing as different types of punishment as the government has always been fair to all and the legal action taken was in line with the charges.

Meanwhile, Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said even with the easing of the MCO restrictions, it is important for everyone to follow the guiding principles provided by the Health Ministry to prevent any surge in new cases.

He said the ministry would monitor the situation allowing other sectors and services, such as social and education, to be reopened.

Malaysia recorded a new low of only 22 local cases yesterday, the lowest since the MCO was implemented on March 18.

A total of 94 new Covid-19 cases were reported yesterday, with 72 of those imported from Malaysians returning from Indonesia.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in the country now stands at 5,945 and 100 deaths, with no new deaths reported yesterday. A total of 55 patients were discharged, bringing the total of those who have fully recovered to 4,087 cases.

- Bernama