KUCHING, April 27: As the country shifts to develop recovery measures, the debate on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) changes, with some calling them suitable, some opposing, while others prefer to remain “right in the middle.”
As such, after two years of the pandemic, many have been wondering when the days of walking outside are hassle free without a mask or freely being able to enter premises without having to scan a QR code.
Many are anticipating the announcement of further relaxation of SOPs by the Ministry of Health today (April 27).
With high hopes, Azriel Lu Zhi, a businessman, expressed that he believes it is due time for a new relaxations of the SOPs to be introduced.
“Personally I think we’re quite prepare, most of it is quite normal, just like a common cold.
“I think it’s good we’re moving towards a more open country again, following what the world is doing as there’s a sense of normalcy coming back,” said Lu.
Carol Tong, an entrepreneur, said that death rates are declining coupled with the high vaccination rates, this is a suitable time to ease the SOPs.
“I think we’re very prepared to welcome the new SOP because the death rates is not very high anymore also they are fully vaccinated, so there wont be a lot of fatalities,” said Tong.
When asked about their thoughts on what SOPs should or should not be implemented, a businesswoman, Mabelle Tang said she contemplates about the need of the MySejahtera application.
“The MySejahtera scanning or checking in is kind of redundant.
“It kind of doesn’t work that well I guess, because some people don’t really report their symptoms if tested positive,” she added.
Additionally, Lu also seconded that thought.
“There’s not really any need for MySejahtera since it’s already a norm, it is redundant.” said Lu.
Looking at the relaxation of face masks outdoors in Singapore, Sarawakians wonder if that’ll be a good measure for Sarawak to follow.
However, Tong expressed that face masks are still important, especially indoors. As well as, the maintenance of social distancing should continue to be implemented.
“I think we should maintain the mask when we’re indoors and social distancing has to be maintained,” Tong noted.
Meanwhile, Tang believes face masks are still necessary due to the lower rate of vaccinations in children and elderly.
“For leisure or recreational, I think it’s find to take of our mask off,” said Tang adding that at high traffic area wearing of mask should be practice.
Therefore, would the relaxation be a hit or a miss for Sarawakians? – TVS
