KUALA LUMPUR: Pandemic fatigue is likely the source of the current spike in Covid-19 cases, triggered by diminishing compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP).
Social and behavioural expert Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh said that non-adherence to behavioural intervention could stem from pandemic fatigue.
"A study conducted in the United States published early this year demonstrates increased reluctance in following guidelines, specifically in terms of maintaining physical distancing.
"Although the use of face masks has increased in the US, behavioural patterns — including staying at home, avoiding close contact with non-household members, not having visitors and avoiding dining in restaurants — have decreased significantly," said the senior lecturer from Universiti Malaya's Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.
She said that while there were no local studies that examined this reluctance, pandemic fatigue could be observed via the relaxation of restrictions, such as dine-ins, Ramadan bazaars and schools being allowed to resume with little to no adherence in terms of maintaining physical distancing, especially within confined areas.
"The increase in the number of cases can also be demotivating for society. Such feelings can affect protective behaviour (against the virus) in a way that the society no longer feel rewarded when the result is not as expected."
She said national lockdowns were widely accepted as early strategies but over time, people should be allowed to resume their activities and routines while reducing risks related to them.
Nur Afiqah further told the New Straits Times that interstate travel could be allowed based on the principle of harm reduction adopted in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus, which addresses its links to substance abuse.
"A harm-reduction approach recognises that stopping people from flouting the ban entirely may be difficult, but reducing the harm associated with this behaviour may be possible.
"For example, for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, provide clear communication on the number of people allowed to gather and the conditions, such as the requirement for good ventilation by leaving windows and doors open. People must also apply these SOP as a means to reduce the risks or harm related to Covid-19."
Medical lecturer Dr Maslinor Ismail said the dipping levels of compliance in terms of SOP, especially with regard to interstate travel, was further exacerbated by the perceived double standards between VIPs and regular people.
She said those from the lower income groups, whose only means of celebrating Hari Raya was going back to their hometowns to be with their families, were frustrated.
"This is their second Hari Raya without their families," she said, adding that this followed the latest allegation levelled against celebrity Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor for crossing state lines.
The lecturer from Universiti Malaya said privileged families had the means to keep themselves upbeat during Hari Raya, therefore shielding their mental health, but low-income families, which make up the majority of the population, had fewer options to do so.
Associate Professor Dr Nik Daliana Nik Farid said the effects of prolonged periods of social isolation were prevalent among university students.
The medical lecturer from Universiti Malaya said students felt increasing levels of distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, hence it was a good move by the government to allow them to return.
"However, they should strictly follow the SOP when they are at home."
She also listed healthy coping strategies for those in Sarawak institutions who have been banned from leaving for the holidays.
This includes taking breaks in between lectures and assignments, disconnecting from gadgets and making time for family coversations, being mindful, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, which includes exercising, and getting sufficient sleep, besides confiding in friends about their concerns and feelings.