KUALA LUMPUR: The country's healthcare system can cope with Covid-19 cases, but Malaysians must prepare for the pandemic to continue for the next two years.
The Prime Minister's special advisor on Public Health, Tan Seri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, said while Malaysia has managed to flatten the curve by imposing the Movement Control Order (MCO), there is still a long way to go.
"MCOs are implemented not to end Covid-19, but to flatten the curve and we have flattened the curve to ensure health systems are protected and able to cope.
"Our health systems can cope as there are more than enough ventilators and utilisation capacity is now only at 30 per cent.
"In fact, the Health Ministry is starting to give front liners leave.
"Most Covid-19 cases, (or) more than 80 per cent are mild," she said in a statement.
It was her response to questions on whether the MCO is being eased a little too early.
While Covid-19 is expected to continue for the next two years, Jemilah said enhanced MCOs localised to an affected area can be implemented immediately.
"There will be small spikes and we must not panic, but conduct aggressive tracing and quarantining and treatment.
"We need to live with Covid-19, just as we need to live with dengue. And all the preventive measures and early detection and treatment.
"The vaccine for Covid-19, at the earliest, may be available next year. Herd immunity is questionable, as data on antibodies is still showing low conversion rate," she said.
Jemilah added that the "new normal" is a reality and urged the public to stay at home, keep a safe distance from others and wear a mask.
She said pandemics can end only when the whole of society participates and is empowered.
"If you see something say something. Report to the police or authorities. Enforcement will be important to ensure compliance. Both from the government but also self-enforcement – individuals, communities, companies.
"Economic impact and mental health are important. We have to face the bitter challenges of MCO and Covid-19, but if we pull together and move in the same direction we can win this."
Jemilah advised the public to not compare Malaysia with Hokkaido, Japan, as the latter did not protect its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"When Hokkaido opened up, they did not protect borders. Malaysia is protecting its borders. This is critical and one of the requisites of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"We have taken steps beyond what was done in Japan, as we have learned from their experience," she said.