KUALA LUMPUR: The government will only look into relaxing existing Covid-19 standard operating procedures - from travel restrictions to mandatory face mask usage - after Malaysia achieves herd immunity.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the strict regulations were key to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the community.
He said while the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, along with the AstraZeneca (AZ) voluntary opt-in programme, were in full swing, public health measures coupled with total adherence to the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were essential.
This, he said, includes wearing of face masks as well as restrictions on interstate and inter-district travel.
"The most important public health action is for the people to stay at home so that we can effectively break the chain of transmission as implemented during the second wave (Covid-19).
"Only head out for important matters and be sure to follow the SOP at all times," he told a joint press conference with Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.
Dr Noor Hisham said the implementation of the Movement Control Order which came into force for the second time before this had managed to prevent a surge in infections.
The implementation of the MCO, which started on Jan 13, saw a decrease in the daily number of Covid-19 cases for six weeks, he added.