MTUC: Have lockdown to contain COVID-19

KUALA LUMPUR (March 16): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today called on the government to consider implementing a lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country, reported The Malay Mail.

“The United States, Italy and France have already declared an emergency with a lockdown of varying degree within their borders. In Sri Lanka a mere five positive Covid-19 cases were enough for the government to order schools closed and impose other restrictions to minimise public gatherings.

“However in Malaysia, the government seems averse to drastically reducing public interaction to reduce the risk of mass infections.

“As such, MTUC is urging the government to come out with clear and unambiguous plans to further reduce large scale public interactions,” MTUC secretary-general J. Solomon said in a statement.

Yesterday, a group of six doctors have also urged Putrajaya to consider ordering a country wide lockdown in light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In a joint statement, the doctors said they believe that a lockdown would allow carriers of the virus to be easily isolated and identified.

“If a lockdown is imposed, the many carriers in the community now will surface when they develop symptoms, while at the same time, they do not infect others. I understand the impact on social order and the economy (this would entail) but if it blows out, we will be dealing with a worse outcome,” said the group of six doctors.

“The government must consider closing schools at least two weeks more for the safety of the students, parents and teachers,” said Solomon.

“The same principle must be applied to private schools, colleges and universities. The government should also ensure clear guidelines for stalls and eateries including ensuring the hygiene of food handlers and workers as well as sanitising on a daily basis,” he added.