PETALING JAYA: A lockdown order is not necessary at this point, but people should stringently follow social distancing advice, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The former Health Minister said the community should follow mitigation measures imposed and continue with containment measures to lower the epidemic curve.

"This is to reduce the total number of cases," said Dr Dzulkefly, who leads the Selangor Covid-19 task force.

He said social distancing should be promoted, as practised in Singapore and South Korea.

"We do not have to adopt the lockdown model implemented in China and Italy," he said in a statement Monday (March 16).

Given the current situation, Malaysians should quickly and firmly follow the mitigation measures imposed according to the timeline.

"Let's deliver a proper message so that the community will take the necessary steps to help curb Covid-19 transmissions," he said.

Dr Dzulkefly called on the public to follow the five-point guideline formulated by the task force.

"Stay home. Only leave home when going to work or the clinic, or for other needs.

"Cancel or postpone meetings involving more than 50 people.

"Employers should encourage workers to work from home for certain periods of time.

"Prolong school holidays to protect the children and universities can opt for online learning.

"People should not be unduly worried and panic buy food and other items," he said.

Dr Dzulkefly also called on the public to heed the government's advice, and ignore unverified information.
 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/16/dr-dzul-no-need-for-lockdown-stringently-follow-social-distancing-advice