The National Security Council (NSC) today released guidelines for holding Ramadan buffets and similar events, this following yesterday’s announcement that such activities would be allowed.
The SOPs are the same whether for places under a conditional movement control order or a recovery movement control order, except for the scale of the event.
For places under a conditional MCO, the number of people present is limited to 50 percent of an event hall’s maximum capacity although restaurants and other eateries may use their maximum capacity as long as social distancing is enforced.
Conversely, the limit in places under a recovery MCO depends solely on the size of the venue and the ability to maintain social distancing.
According to the SOP, guests must register their attendance upon arrival, be checked for Covid-19 symptoms by the event organiser and use a hand sanitiser.
They are to always maintain social distancing of at least one metre and wear face masks while waiting to be seated.
Children, infants and people with chronic illnesses are discouraged from attending such events.
Meanwhile, the food can only be served by wait staff who must also wear masks and be checked for symptoms. This rather than the guests serving themselves.
Guests are also required to limit conversing while queuing for food and avoid close conversation even while seated.
They are also encouraged to bring their own prayer mats and other items for their prayers.
In addition, they are required to behave in an orderly manner and avoid crowding any area of the venue including before and after the event.
As for the organisers, the standard operating procedure requires them to increase the number of buffet stations to avoid concentrating the guests at one place while ensuring the venue is well-ventilated.
Cleaning and disinfection works must be done before and after the event.
Yesterday, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that food outlets can operate for extended hours to cater for those fasting for Ramadan which began yesterday evening.
This entails providing food for sahur (the pre-fasting meal consumed before dawn) and the breaking of fast at night. The operation of food delivery services is likewise extended.
In addition, Ramadan buffets and breaking-fast functions by private parties, corporations and government agencies are also allowed subject to adherence to the SOPs as detailed in the documents released by the NSC today.
The policy comes as Malaysia’s gains in battling a third wave of Covid-19 infections in the country shows signs of reversal with Ismail Sabri warning that Malaysia may be seeing a fourth wave of cases.
He urged people to continue to be on their guard and observe the SOPs even as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.
- Mkini
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