Lockdown Extension Must Bring Cases Down To 3 000 Daily Or Else

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Dr Lee Boon Chye says that if the numbers are not brought down by the end of June, it could mean a major problem for Malaysia.PETALING JAYA: The most important aim of the two-week total lockdown extension must be to bring down the Covid-19 numbers to about 2,000 to 3,000 a day, said former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
“Otherwise, another two-week extension will be needed and that is not a good indicator,” he told FMT.
The Gopeng MP said Putrajaya could lift the total lockdown once daily cases hit about 2,000 to 3,000 a day, and focus on imposing enhanced MCOs at smaller localities.
“It would be easier to impose smaller lockdowns once that number is achieved,” he said.
Dr Lee Boon Chye.Earlier, the government announced a two-week extension of the total lockdown from June 15 to 28. Today, the country reported 6,849 Covid-19 cases with 84 deaths.
Lee urged Putrajaya to put in place proper mechanisms to ensure the number of cases does not bounce back.
“If they fail to carry out testing, contact tracing within 24 hours or ramp up vaccinations, the cases will spike quickly,” he warned.
He urged the government to make the right decisions to avoid another lockdown or MCO in future.
The SME Association of Malaysia had recently warned that 50,000 companies may shut down if the lockdown extends beyond six weeks. As a result, 250,000 people may lose their jobs.
Malaysia has been reporting a surge in Covid-19 cases since the second week of May after the reopening of schools and Ramadan bazaars.
Lee also urged Putrajaya to be quick in identifying enhanced MCOs at smaller localities to curb any spread.
“Let’s hope past mistakes are not repeated,” he added. - FMT

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