First of May, 2022

Today, First of May, 2022, is a memorable day for Malaysians. This  is the day where Covid-19 rules are almost relaxed. After two+ years of pandemic restrictions and all we are once again back to almost, almost pre-Covid-19 days. 

The engine of life can start to churn again as all sectors of business are open, social distancing is relaxed, masks can be done away with in certain places. 

Going back a little, March 18, 2020 was the day Malaysia initiated the MCO (Movement Control Order) and from then until today, the country and her people have gone through a host of many experiences, both Covid-related and more. 

Some info on what activities are permissible...

All sports and recreational activities can be carried out without restrictions from tomorrow (May 1), the sports ministry announced.

Group activities such as aerobics, Zumba, taekwondo training and the like are also allowed without any limit or maximum capacity for participation.

Capacity limits and physical distancing rules have been lifted for spectators and supporters at sports and recreational venues.

However, spectators are still encouraged to observe the physical distancing rule if they do not wear face masks, Bernama reported.

Face masks are not compulsory in open areas and in sports activities indoors, but are required when not doing any sporting activities in enclosed areas.

The ministry said check-in via MySejahtera is not required when entering sports and recreational venues. However, the management is required to check the risk status of their patrons so that those with “high risk” status and those under home surveillance are not allowed to enter.

Tournaments, competitions as well as sports and recreational events at the domestic and international levels are also allowed. Source..

The health ministry reported 2,107 new cases yesterday, which is the lowest recorded in 13 months. This represents the lowest total since April 14 last year when 1,889 cases were reported.

Here's a visual guide to the do's and don'ts to KIV for reference.

Here's another reference from the Malay Mail..

And oh, our borders are open too and visitors are coming back to our shores again.

I would still say, do take very precaution to stay safe. It is still a dangerous place out there, outside of your own home. Take care, better to be safe than sorry. 

Latest CMCO schedule amid spike in Covid-19 cases

It's not beautiful but we have to do it. 

According to Senior Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, stricter regulations may be enforced again if the public fail to follow standard operating procedures (SOP), resulting in a spike in Covid-19 cases. Here's a look at the latest CMCO schedule for the country..

30 Things To Know About The CMCO In KL, Selangor, And Putrajaya

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced all but three states in the Peninsula would be placed under the CMCO for four weeks from Nov 9 to Dec 6.

Perlis, Pahang and Kelantan are the three unaffected states.

This also means that the CMCO currently in effect in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will be extended for another four weeks.

From SAYS..

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri has announced a detailed list of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in regards to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) enforced in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya

In a live address on 13 October, the Defence Minister said, "As I have announced yesterday, a detailed list of SOPs in regards to the CMCO in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya will be issued soon."

Well, the list has been issued. Following are the 30 things in the CMCO SOP and guidelines:-

1. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is responsible in enforcing the movement order with the help of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), and The People's Volunteer Corps (RELA).

2. Only two people per household are allowed to leave home to shop for essentials and other items. Those belonging in high-risk groups such as the elderly and children are not encouraged to be outside.

3. Interdistrict and interstate travel is not allowed except for special cases and emergencies for example, in dealing with sickness or a relative's death.

4. Interstate and interdistrict travel is also allowed for work as long as you have a valid working pass and/or a letter from your employer. Those working in their own respective districts do not have to provide a working pass or a letter.

5. Employers must allow workers to work from home. 

6. Residents in other states who would like to travel through the highway and pass through CMCO areas must request for permission from PDRM at police stations. Ismail Sabri noted that the government is working on getting an online system set up for this.

7. Individuals wanting to head to airports in the Klang Valley also have to seek permission from PDRM.

8. In regards to economic activities, all sectors are allowed to operate as per usual. For example, restaurants, stalls, food trucks, and hawkers by the roadside are allowed to carry out business.

9. Restaurants and eateries are only allowed to operate between 6am and 10pm.

10. Take away, delivery, and drive-thru is encouraged, but dine-in is allowed. However, there is a limit of two persons per table.

11. Daily markets are allowed to operate between 6am and 2pm. Wholesale markets are allowed to open from 4am to 2pm. Night markets are allowed to operate between 4pm to 10pm. To ensure people abide with SOPs, the site must be supervised by RELA officials.

12. Petrol pumps are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm. Those at highways are allowed to operate 24 hours.

13. All public transport such as buses, trains, and taxis are allowed to operate as usual. However, for e-hailing vehicles and taxis, only two passengers are allowed at a time.

14. Food delivery services can only operate between 6am and 12am.

15. Government and private hospitals and clinics are allowed to operate 24 hours a day.

16. Pharmacies are allowed to operate from 8am to 11pm.

17. Commercial vehicles working for the economic sector are allowed to operate as usual as well as travel interdistrict and interstate.

18. All sectors related to the food supply chain are allowed to operate as usual.

19. Only six people are allowed to perform congregational prayers at mosques. 

20. Only six people are allowed to be on duty at non-Muslim places of worship.

21. All recreational and cultural activities are not allowed.

22. Entertainment centres such as theme parks, night clubs, and movie cinemas are not allowed to operate.

23. Non-contact outdoor sports with not more than 10 people at a time are allowed.

24. Usage of swimming pools and other contact sports not allowed.

25. Sports with an audience and players from different states are not allowed.

26. All education institutions such as public and private universities, schools, kindergartens, and nurseries are not allowed to operate.

27. Students who are sitting for international tests are allowed to sit for exams.

28. Educational talks, meetings, conventions, and exhibitions are not allowed.

29. Social gatherings such as weddings and birthday parties are not allowed.

30. All tourism activities in and out of CMCO areas are not allowed.

NST has it on a chart..

Covid-19 - What's happening around the world (some) and at home

Paris bans nightime food and drink delivery to tackle worsening COVID-19 crisis

Greece ordered a nationwide lockdown on Thursday for three weeks to help contain a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, its second this year after a sharp increase in infections this week. “I’ve chosen to take drastic measures sooner rather than later,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

In Hong Kong, social-distancing restrictions ease..

100,000 cases in a single day push the U.S. into new terrain.

Italy will lock down six regions and prevent many people from crossing between them.

The Italian government announced Wednesday night that it would lock down a significant portion of the country, including the northern regions that are its economic engine, in an effort to stop a resurgent wave of coronavirus infections.

At home here in Malaysia, we are in the third phase, that's right, and sadly more and more clusters of infections are showing up every day and worse, for the past few days we've had deaths every day. 

Of all the states, Sabah on the island of Borneo is hardest hit immediately after state elections were held on September 26. Then infections increased here in the peninsula as people came back after the election campaigning and such. No quarantine was required when they touched down back at the peninsula. Horrors! Right. No one saw the impending danger. Now we are getting the brunt of that action or inaction, rather. Below is current status:

Here's some advice found online..

What food should you avoid during COVID-19?

• When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).

• Limit your daily salt intake to less than 5 g (approximately 1 teaspoon), and use iodized salt.

• Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar.

• Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks).

• Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.

Are smokers at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus disease?

Smoking any kind of tobacco reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death.

How to eat healthy in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Consume enough fibre because it contributes to a healthy digestive system and offers a prolonged feeling of fullness, which helps prevent overeating.

To ensure an adequate fibre intake, aim to include vegetables, fruit, pulses and wholegrain foods in all meals. Whole grain foods include oats, brown pasta and rice, quinoa and whole-wheat bread and wraps, rather than refined grain foods such as white pasta and rice, and white bread.

Good hydration is crucial for optimal health. Whenever available and safe for consumption, tap water is the healthiest and cheapest drink. It is also the most sustainable, as it produces no waste, compared to bottled water.

Can I drink alcohol during the coronavirus disease pandemic?

In particular, alcohol compromises the body's immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, people should minimize their alcohol consumption at any time, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is associated with mental disorders; people at risk or who have an alcohol-use disorder, are particularly vulnerable, especially when in self-isolation.

How long should I exercise for in self-quarantine?

WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week for adults, or a combination of both. The guidance is intended for people in self-quarantine without any symptoms or diagnosis of acute respiratory illness.

Just an idea of the Covid-19 spread worldwide. Details on individual countries can be obtained on Tracking the spread of Covid-19..

Stay safe, everyone..

What's happening in Malaysia - with updates

It's hard not to be keeping up on what's happening to the country with the swearing in of the new PM and his team.

If you too are still interested, here's the latest..

Ahmad Zahid's trial vacated as he needs to discuss new govt formation with Muhyiddin

From the New Straits Times..
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has allowed Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's corruption trial involving millions of ringgit in Yayasan Akalbudi funds and passport chip supply contracts with several companies to be vacated.

This was after the Umno president's lawyer said that his client needs to meet with newly-appointed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to discuss the formation of a new government.

Ahmad Zahid, 67, is facing 47 charges, with 12 of them involving criminal breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit of funds belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi.

The trial before judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues tomorrow.

I want to clear my name in court, says Zahid
Prosecution applies to cite Zahid for contempt over ‘meeting’ with Muhyiddin

Who will be the next AG?
Let ongoing court cases continue, says Kadir Jasin

Now we know who the traitors are
The whole world knows it was a coup, says Anwar
Don’t derail PH reform efforts, LFL tells cops on social media probe

No, wait, these are related too..
UDA chairman tests positive for Covid-19
PKR's Wong Chen goes into isolation over Covid-19
UDA director confirmed for Covid-19 was in close contact with ex-minister, officials
EXCLUSIVE - Health Rules Demand PM8 And All Co-Conspirators Must Immediately Self-Isolate For 14 Days?

UPDATES:
Anwar says new coalition won’t be able to manage economy
Ambiga: Vital for new PM to convene Parliament meet and end doubt about support
Muhyiddin clocks in at Perdana Putra
'To my driver, you will be greatly missed,' says ex-Transport minister

© Provided by New Straits Times Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke has penned a tribute to his driver named Hazril (without disclosing his full name). -Pic source Anthony Loke Siew Fook FB

Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.