DPM: Govt considering to allow fully vaccinated families to be reunited

 

Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he has proposed to the National Security Council (NSC) to consider allowing people who are fully vaccinated to reunite with their out-of-state family members.

He said this was based on public feedback, particularly those who have been separated from their spouses or family members due to the interstate travel ban to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As a father, I understand the importance of the family institution.

“Mothers or fathers should not have to be separated from their children for too long, even though it is for security reasons. More so if they have received both doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine.

“Therefore, I have often raised this issue at the NSC meetings so that a relaxation (of restrictions) can be considered if they have completed both vaccine doses,” he said in a statement.

Ismail Sabri added that the matter is now on the government’s radar.

“The government is looking at the details of the proposal which will enable long-distance spouses and family members to once again be reunited,” he said.

Based on past experience, Covid-19 cases have spiked after the government lifted travel restrictions.

However, since June, the Covid-19 situation has deteriorated despite the travel restrictions.

The Health Ministry has in part attributed this to the more virulent delta variant.

Yesterday, the number of active Covid-19 cases climbed to a new record high of 137,587, putting tremendous strain on the healthcare system.

The government is banking on the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme to beat back the pandemic and has expedited the daily vaccination rate. - Mkini