While attaining herd immunity via the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive is vital in order to quell the pandemic, voluntarily practising self-lockdown – that is, going out only if it is absolutely necessary– can also go a long way towards reducing infections. This will be the first phase of the lockdown during which only 17 essential economic and service sectors are allowed to operate. In a special discussion on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that was broadcast over RTM and Bernama TV on May 23, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged the public to practice “self-lockdown” to prevent further surges in new cases. As such, observing self-lockdown is out of the question for them (as they have to go out to earn a living),” she told Bernama. When a hospital reaches maximum capacity, many COVID-19 patients cannot be attended to properly due to the shortage of staff and life-saving equipment.

Source: The Edge Markets June 02, 2021 00:33 UTC