In the past week, we have been receiving many good news regarding the COVID-19 situation with Malaysia, especially about it reaching recovery stages with a steady decrease in the number of new cases.
In light of the improving situation, the government has announced several leeways when it comes to the Movement Control Order (MCO) as we enter Phase Four (29 April till 12 May).
Some of the most notable changes in the implementation of Phase 4 MCO are as follows:
#1 Two people from a family can now travel together
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during his daily press conference aired live on social media said that two people from a household can now travel together in a car to run errands such as shopping for essentials and medication, as well as going to the clinics and hospitals.
"To give a little leeway, we allow two people in a car but they must be from the same house and family," he said.
He added that considering that those living in the same house are already in contact socially, they are allowed to travel in a vehicle together to run errands.
#2 You can travel beyond 10km radius but only if necessary
Under the newly gazetted Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, you can now travel beyond the 10km radius from your house to get groceries, food and medication or medical attention.
However, this does not mean you can go wherever you wish, whenever.
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You will only be allowed to travel further than 10km if the nearest facility to your home is located beyond the stipulated distance.
So, if you're living in Subang and want to travel to Bangsar to shop just because you want to enjoy new scenery, forget about it.
#3 The government will consider allowing childcare centres and kindergartens to open
This is not confirmed as yet. However, Ismail Sabri said that on Thursday (30 April), there will be a discussion with stakeholders tomorrow on the loosening of MCO and this will be one of the matters discussed.
The consideration to allow childcare centres and kindergartens to reopen comes after parents raised concerns about childcare as many employers are allowed to reopen businesses.
#4 Companies with government's approval can run at 100 per cent capacity
Yesterday (28 April), International Trade and Industry (MITI) minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali announced that companies that has received the ministry's approval can start operating at 100 per cent.
"This is an important step by the Government to restarting and reviving the economy. We must ensure both lives and livelihood of the people will be secured in the fight against COVID-19," he said in a series of tweet.
He, however, cautioned employers and employees to be vigilant about observing social distancing and following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set by the government.
More to come
Officials from several ministries and departments are expected to meet tomorrow to discuss how MCO and post-MCO will be.
We will have to wait and see if more leeway will be given in Phase 4 and what it would entail.