PUTRAJAYA: People can forget about visiting their relatives and parents during Hari Raya if they don't comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) introduced by the Health Ministry during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said it was imperative for the public to exercise social distancing and exercise utmost hygiene when visiting relatives during the Hari Raya celebrations.
Senior citizens and infants, he said, were among groups most vulnerable to get infected by Covid-19.
"The maximum number of 20 people allowed to visit at one time is relative. For instance, social distancing cannot be achieved if 20 people gather inside a small apartment or confined space.
"And inside our house, there may be 10 members of a family or the number will be higher for larger families.
"Our concern is more about people from areas considered as Covid-19 red zones since there is a possibility for them to infect their parents and relatives when visiting during Hari Raya," Dr Noor Hisham said in his daily press conference today on the Covid-19 situation in the country.
He also stressed the importance and duty of the people to protect their loved ones especially their parents from getting the virus although the government has relaxed some restrictions following the implementation of the CMCO, which has been extended for four weeks from May 12 until June 9.
"People should avoid '3C' areas, namely crowded place, confined space and close conservation.
"The public should instead practise '3W', which is frequently washing their hands with water and soap; wearing face mask especially in public places or when they encounter people who are having fever and flu; practise caution by avoiding handshakes, staying at home and seeking treatment if you are developing symptoms related to Covid-19, among others," he said.
On a separate matter, Dr Noor Hisham said that all members of Parliament will be tested for Covid-19 before they attend the upcoming Parliamentary sitting on May 18.
"We have already started conducting Covid-19 testing for the staff who work in Parliament.
"All MPs will also be undergoing similar testing.
"Having said that, the SOPs are already in place. However, what is more important is compliance of the SOP," he said.