I have written three posts related to Covid-19. Two more than I had intended. And, here I am again writing about it. I didn’t want to for obvious reasons. The deluge of coverage in the print, electronic and social media is more than enough. Everyone has an opinion – right, wrong, ambiguous or self-serving. Politicians, security officials, media, national and global health bodies, employer and employee organisations, charities, NGOs, and individuals. Why? Covid-19 affects us all.

There is no avoiding. No hiding. No choice. It’s all encompassing. In your face, eyes and ears. Some days, I don’t want to know. I don’t want to talk about it. I just want it to go away. And, for life to go back to what used to be my normal. Like walking with my husband to Avenue K, KLCC or Intermark almost every evening. Dinner. Ambling around in the shops. Buying a few bits. Or driving to the temple in SS3 on Tuesday mornings or enjoying vegetarian lunches with my mum at Viva Mall on Fridays. Visiting GE for brunch and grocery shopping at Cold Storage at the weekends. Weekly meetups with my brother when he drops by to see my mum. Plus, getting on with my hair, dentist and doctor’s appointments and car service. Celebrating Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays scheduled on my calendar.

What will happen to these personal and family events? I know its early days yet and no one knows for sure. But, it made me wonder. Will I be brave enough or trusting enough to let my guard down when restrictions are lifted, albeit, gradually? Will I arrange a gathering for Mother’s Day in May? My mum is in the vulnerable age group. Will I get my hair cut and coloured as my greys are already showing? My hairdresser gets quite up close and personal when she attends to me.  As do my dentist and doctor. Will my husband and I have dinners out again? Will I continue to practice social distancing? Will I wash my hands fastidiously for 20 seconds? Will it be business as usual when business is usual? Will I go back to my normal?

In Malaysia, we are in the third phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO). The first phase was from March 18-31. Second from April 1-14. Third is from April 15-28.  As at yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported a total of 5389 Covid-19 cases in the country. Encouragingly, 59.3% or 3197 have been discharged. 39% or 2,103 are currently receiving treatment. Total number of deaths was 1.8% or 89 [1]. The purpose of the MCO is to flatten the infection curve or to contain the total number of cases so that hospitals across the country can cope with the inflow of patients. However, it does not mean that the number of infections would be brought down to zero[2].

For this phase, the Government has upped measures against MCO offenders. Those caught defying the order will be summarily detained for legal action. In phases one and two, only compounds were issued to violators[3]. As of April 13, there were 9090 arrests with 4, 036 compounds issued over the same period[4]. Obviously, there are thousands of people, including VIPs, still going about their lives like normal – ignoring the order and oblivious to the threat they pose to themselves and others around them. There are news reports of people being pulled up for visiting friends, participating in karaoke sessions, playing sports, celebrating birthdays, and driving beyond the stipulated 10 km restriction to buy their favourite food or snack.

Additional sectors have also been allowed to operate. They are, amongst others, the machinery and equipment industry; aerospace industry; some construction projects and services related to construction works and social health services including registered traditional and complementary medicine practitioners[5]. However, companies in these sectors need to apply, and be approved by the relevant authorities before they can start work. There are also stringent Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that need to be adhered to. Understandably, the comprehensive measures are in place to facilitate stalled economic activities while containing the spread of the virus.

That said, is it timely to open these additional sectors? Why these additional sectors? If not now, when? What happens if employers and employees don’t follow the SOPs to a T? What happens if workers can’t, don’t or forget to practice social distancing and hand washing? What happens if new clusters form as a result of increased economic activity and interaction?  What if a huge wave happens?  I am not sure how this will pan out. We are, after all, in uncharted territory. The next two weeks will tell.  Fingers crossed.