WHEN China lifted its 76-day lockdown on Wuhan in the Hubei province last month, the world saw a mass exodus of people leaving the city in trains and buses, with some passengers donned in protective clothing and face masks.
The large crowds had spooked health experts, who believed it might trigger a second wave of Covid-19 cases. The lifting of the lockdown is a major milestone for China. More than 80 per cent of the cases and 96 per cent of deaths in mainland China have been in Hubei.
Two weeks later, China reportedly was forced to tighten regulations to prevent a second wave when Harbin in northern China became the hotspot for Covid-19.
Elsewhere in Germany and Spain, cases are spiking again after the governments eased restrictions as they try to edge out of quarantine. Japan, too, is considering extending its nationwide state of emergency, on since April 7, by another month to prevent crowds during the Golden Week holidays from late April and early May when many Japanese would return to their hometowns or travel for vacations or day trips.
With cases still rising, it is no wonder that medical experts are calling on the government to extend Malaysia's Movement Control Order (MCO), in force since March 18, for another two weeks to bring cases down further and to prevent new clusters.
The country, which is under a conditional MCO (CMCO) since Monday, is also seeing a relaxation of some restrictions,— almost all businesses are open but subject to CMCO protocols. Medical experts believe that although Malaysians have shown maturity and self-discipline in adhering to the new norms, there are those who disregard safe practices and overlook social distancing, especially in crowded areas.
This fear is not without warrant. Over the past few days, we are seeing more vehicles on the once near-empty roads and small groups at LRT and bus stations. Yesterday too, saw the start of the four-day Gerak Malaysia initiative, where those stranded in the nation's capital and other states, are allowed to travel back to their homes.
Some 300,000 vehicles are expected to be on the major expressways during the interstate movement until Sunday. Reportedly, police have approved 143,516 applications for those seeking to return home to their families.
Up to 6pm yesterday, the Malaysian Highway Authority reported there was smooth traffic flow on the major expressways, — PLUS Expressway, East Coast Highway (LPT) 1 and LPT2, and the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK), — and at toll plazas leaving out of the federal capital.
Well and good. This Leader hopes the calm state of affairs will continue until Sunday and beyond. Understandably, the journey would not be a pleasant drive for most motorists, with all rest areas still closed and only petrol stations open.
Motorists are encouraged to bring their own food and drive non-stop to their destinations, except for toilet breaks and to fill petrol.
Of course, these are easier said than done; being on the road and fighting to stay awake, especially during Ramadan, will be a test of patience. It will be tough and gruelling, but bear in mind that Covid-19 is a lurking predator, waiting for the right time to strike. It pays to be patient and to follow instructions.
So, travel safe, eat first if you are not fasting and get enough sleep before your journey.