How Effective Is The Second Phase

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I SAT at one roadblock in Cheras today, second day of the Second Phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed for April 1-14 period, only to be be annoyed by arrogant motorists who gave so many excuses to be on the road.

Almost 65 per cent of them were directed to turn back. Just imagine among their answers were 'to buy daily necessities in Cheras when their homes are in Selayang, Ampang and Kepong, failed to produce employers' letter demanding them to work and worse still, 'I don't know about it!'.

To me, its getting worse. There are still many people flouting the law and order without full knowledge of how deadly virus Covid-19 is. When the number of new cases and death rises everyday, I believe we need a more stringent action to deal with such characters.

More alarming when the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected the number of cases in Malaysia to peak in mid-April and there are signs of a flattening of the infection curve. We have the highest number of known infections in Southeast Asia with over 2,900 confirmed cases so far.Based on available data, the WHO has projected that Malaysia will see a peak in hospitalised cases in mid-April, with the number of critically ill patients estimated to reach the peak within the next week (although WHO projections could change).There are initial signs of flattening of the curve, but this could bounce back if control measures are lifted and if people don't continue to take protective measures. WHO data on new infections so far and additional surveillance measures did not suggest widespread community transmission in the country.So, what else should we do to 'force' the public - except for those in essentials, security and medical staff - to stay at home and restrict themselves from taking the pandemic for granted? Stricter measures could come in the form of total lockdown or curfew.But who would like curfew? It will create unnecessary chaos when people start to 'shop till drop'.For that, we bear full responsibility by adhering to instruction from the government. If you dont want the MCO to be extended, may as well you help chasing the virus away!

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