LETTERS – The first Covid-19 Omicron variation was detected in South Africa on November 20. It has been reported in more than 20 countries.
These countries have reacted to this new variation by tightening travel rules. They are preparing for a surge in Omicron cases.
We should ensure that individuals get vaccinated and practice physical distancing and wearing of face masks when in public places.
An Omicron case was identified in Malaysia on December 2 involving a South African private university student in Ipoh, who had arrived from South Africa through Singapore on November 19.
If the variant spirals out of control and our country encounters an expansion in the number of deaths, we might be placed under another Movement Control Order (MCO).
Can the economy and society survive another MCO?
Our country is in the middle of reestablishing the economy. Despite the Omicron variation, our finance minister is confident of achieving the 2021 gross domestic product target.
However, we can’t achieve these objectives if we face another economic downturn.
Prices of goods and services have raised, rubbing salt into the wound of people, especially low-income households.
What might be said about society? During past MCOs, many individuals were under exceptional pressure because joblessness, culminating in a few of them committing suicide.
Will they need to raise white flags again to put food on the table? Additionally, 9,015 domestic violence cases were reported since the MCO last year.
The figure should set alerts ringing, especially if there is another MCO.
Source: Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das & Dr Mohd Shahidan Shaari (NST.COM.MY)
