CORONAVIRUS | Malaysia today took the first step towards some semblance of normalcy as Putrajaya allowed a large part of the country to resume operations, but with strict social distancing guidelines.

The scenes at train stations, highways, restaurants and other shops gave a picture of what the "new normal" looks like.

The government has indicated that until a vaccine is available, which could take up to two years, Covid-19 will be part of the community and Malaysians will need to live by a different set of rules.

Below is a snapshot of various location as the country tries to get back on its feet after more than a month of partial lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19.

As businesses reopened and people are allowed to return to work, there was an increase of motorist on roads. A snapshot along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman showed most of them wearing face masks.

For those taking the trains this morning, the first thing they are greeted with was not barrier gates but a health checkpoint.

At the Pasar Seni LRT/MRT hub, all commuters had their temperature taken before being allowed in.

Commuters were required to stand one-metre apart while waiting for trains. While on the train, they are also required to sit with a one-seat gap between each other.

For those standing, the floor is marked with red tapes as a guide for where they should be standing. Everyone was required to wear a mask.

Under new rules, public transportation including buses and trains can only ferry half of its normal capacity to ensure social distancing is possible.

Prior to today, few had been to the train stations for more than a month as is evident in the stacks of expired food waiting to be returned at convenience stores there as no customer had bought them.

For the first time since the start of the movement control order (MCO) on March 18, restaurants are allowed to accept dine-in customers.

Many restaurants are still sticking with delivery services but some will begin experimenting with dine-in customers today.

However, regular sanitisation will now be part and parcel of the businesses.

For some restaurants that are opening up for dine-in customers, they cite the high rental cost due to their central location.

At Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, non-essential businesses have begun operations.

However, some are not immediately accepting customers as they are making preparations to comply with the new social distancing guidelines.

At Sogo shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, workers are also seen making preparations to receive customers as other retailers within the mall open their outlets.

Previously, only its grocery section had been allowed to operate. Checkpoints were also set up to take customers' temperature.

At the mall, employees are back to work. Some have been out of a job for more than a month.

All staff are required to wear a mask and keep a safe distance apart.

Today is also the first-day recreational activities would be allowed, but no groups permitted.

For some who are not working this morning, it was a good opportunity to stretch their legs outdoor for the first time in more than a month.

Previously, exercising outdoors before the MCO was relaxed could land someone an RM1,000 fine, or up to six months imprisonment or both.

The MCO will officially expire on May 12 but social distancing rules is expected to continue for the rest of the year. - Mkini