All states could move into Phase 2 in August, says DPM

 

PETALING JAYA: Other states may join Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Sabah and Sarawak under Phase 2 of the  Covid-19 National Recovery Plan if the high rates of vaccination continue.

In a statement today, Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the national Covid-19 immunisation programme (PICK) has indicated that over 10% of the population have received their second doses – one of the thresholds set for the country to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

He said if the positive development continues, the whole country could be under Phase 2 by early August once all three main indicators under the National Recovery Plan are achieved.

The other two Phases involve bringing down the daily number of cases and the use of ICU beds, both of which are now very high.

Meanwhile, the SOP compliance task force ordered 68 premises comprising 23 factories, 43 businesses and two construction sites to close.

Speaking on the enhanced movement control order (EMCO), Ismail said several localities in Sabah and one in Sarawak will go under a total lockdown from July 16 until July 29.

These are Kampung Jagoi Duyoh, Daerah Bau, Kuching, Sarawak and, in Sabah; Block 2, Block 6 and Block 9, People’s Housing Project (PPR) Taman Mesra, Sandakan; Kampung Lubak, Beaufort; Block Angsana and Block Sumboi-Sumboi, Kampung Seberang Benoni, Papar; and also Kampung Melalam, Sipitang.

Meanwhile, the EMCO at Kampung Landung Ayang, Kudat, Sabah will be extended until July 29.

EMCOs at Jalan Kubur, Kuala Lumpur; Kampung Pangkal Jetas, Machang, Kelantan; Taman Public, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; and the Jelebu prison and staff quarters in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan will end on July 15, while the EMCO at Kampung Gusi Kinarut, Papar, Sabah will end tonight.

On the arrests yesterday, Ismail said 471 people were arrested of which 446 were fined, 16 were remanded and nine given bail. - FMT