Covid 19 Kedah Takes Drastic Actions Cancels Merdeka Celebrations

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COVID-19 | Kedah has taken drastic actions by imposing restrictions at a few areas in the state recently hit by a rising number of Covid-19 infections, effective immediately
In making the announcement last night, Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the measures include the cancellation of the upcoming state-level National Day programmes
He also said that eateries in Tawar, Baling, Kuala Muda, Sala and some vicinities in Yan will not be allowed to offer dine-in service. “Only packed food and meal delivery services are allowed, while dining at restaurants is not," he was quoted as saying by RTM.  He added that social events including feasts and weddings will have to be called off, while programmes organised by government departments and agencies will be rescheduled. "Social events are being postponed including government programmes, while 'kenduri' (feasts) should also be cancelled.”Sanusi revealed the new guidelines after chairing the state's Security Working Committee meeting yesterday
"The instructions only apply to places at risk, especially Tawar, Baling, few areas in Yan, Kuala Muda and Guar Chempedak (Sala cluster), where Covid-19 cases have been recorded," he said
So far, four clusters - Sivagangga, Tawar, Muda and Sala - have been detected in the state
Mosques and religious institutions affected by the Covid-19 cases were instructed to close immediately for sanitisation work and monitoring
Pantai Merdeka and Pulau Sayak, where the Merdeka celebrations were to be held, will also close while parks in the affected areas will not be open to the public
The state government has also moved to limit the operating hours of businesses
Night markets will only be allowed to operate from 4pm to 8pm while sundry shops, 24-hour shops and convenience shops at petrol stations will open between 8am and 8pm
Kedah came under the spotlight earlier this month with the emergence of the Sivagangga cluster with the index case being a Nasi Kandar restaurant owner who flouted the home quarantine order after returning from abroad
The second cluster in Tawar, which now has 12 cases, was detected last Saturday. New clusters had also appeared in Sala and Kuala Muda. - Mkini

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