Inter-district, interstate travel ban likely to continue until at least 70% of population vaccinated, says Health DG

 

PUTRAJAYA: The travel ban between states and districts may go on until at least 70% of the population have been vaccinated for Covid-19, says Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said a lesson could be learnt from the decision to re-allow interstate travel on Dec 7, which resulted in outbreaks in “green states”.

“We saw on Dec 7 when the government allowed interstate travel. The infection was spread to other states.

“Those who were from red zones travelled to green zones, such as Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“For the time being, we will stick to our two approaches of controlling this pandemic, which is through public health measures and our vaccination programme.

“Once 70% of the population have been vaccinated, we may then consider reopening borders, ” said Dr Noor Hisham during a virtual engagement session with the media on Friday (Feb 26).

Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysia has been in discussion with other countries on the usage of "immunity passports".

“Countries are discussing if we can allow

cross-border travel after we have reached herd immunity.

“We are also looking at whether those who have been vaccinated are still required to undergo quarantine when entering a country.

“This requires more data which we can only achieve in the next six or nine months.

“The discussions are ongoing in the meantime, ” said Dr Noor Hisham. - Star