Covid-19: A doctor’s concerns

‘The challenge for the public will be adhering to guidelines like social distancing, hand washing, cleansing and face masks in public. We have to learn to internalise such behaviour (an example will be the brushing of teeth) so that the need for monitoring and surveillance is minimised...

‘Another concern is the lack of public consultation. Like what happens with our annual haze (who knows, we may, thanks to Covid-19 and the movement control order escape the haze this year!), the voices of the public are not being solicited by the authorities. We see this happening at federal, state and local council levels. Why this “us” vs “them” mindset which pervades our country?’

Dato’ Seri Dr T Devaraj is a retired physician who has been involved in hospice work for many years.

Read here (Aliran, May 12, 2020)

Study shows most people carry antibodies after recovery from coronavirus

‘A new study offers a glimmer of hope in the grim fight against the coronavirus: Nearly everyone who has had the disease - regardless of age, sex or severity of illness - makes antibodies to the virus. The study, posted online on Tuesday (May 5) but not yet reviewed by experts, also hints that anyone who has recovered from infection may safely return to work - although it is unclear how long their protection might last.’

Read here (Straits Times, May 8, 2020)

Mixed reactions as SOPs rule the day

‘As we're deadlocked on how to jumpstart the economy or flatten the curve, it'd be useful to reflect what Gerald R. Ford, the 38th United States president (American presidents were taken seriously until very recently), had to say on dubiety: "History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion." There you go, we still have to fine-tune many issues before the "new normal" settles in. Whatever the procedures, there must be greater uniformity as tales of different strokes for different folk were aplenty in the treatment of some MCO offenders.’

Read here (New Straits Times, May 8, 2020)

Singaporeans to be given improved reusable masks in third nationwide mask distribution exercise

‘Singaporeans will receive improved reusable masks soon, with the Government embarking on a third mask distribution exercise towards the end of this circuit breaker period. The new cloth masks will have higher protective qualities and also be more comfortable to wear for a long period of time, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Wednesday (May 6). Over the last few weeks, the Government has been working with local manufacturers and A*Star to improve on the materials used for the reusable cloth masks.’

Read here (Straits Times, May 6, 2020)

Six flaws in the arguments for reopening

Leana S. Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, debunks the six reasons offered by the US government to open up the economy. She says: “Most states are reopening to some degree this week, even as public-health experts warn that it’s too soon.”

Read here (Washington Post, May 6, 2020)

As some countries ease up, others are reimposing lockdowns amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections

As many parts of the world, including the United States, explore ways to ease restrictions aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus, countries that had already opened up are closing down again after renewed spikes in infections. [Lebanon, South Korea, China, Iran, Germany]

Such a resurgence of cases had been widely predicted by experts, but these increasing numbers come as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead as countries chafing under the social and economic burdens of keeping their citizens indoors weigh the pros and cons of allowing people to move around again.

Read here (Washington Post, May 5, 2020)

Preparing a safe return to work

As businesses prepare to reopen amid the Covid-19 outbreak, employers face the challenge of ensuring a safe environment for their workforce. Social purpose organisation Think City has some guidelines. To access the full guide, please visit http://thinkcity.com.my/workplace-guides/⁣

Read here (The Edge, May 5, 2020)

Chow: No feedback was collected from the states on CMCO

‘No feedback was collected from the states on how the conditional movement control order (MCO) and standard operating procedure (SOP) should be done, the Penang Chief Minister has claimed. Chow Kon Yeow said as a result, the state government decided not to allow businesses to resume operations yesterday.’

Read here (The Star, May 5, 2020)

Defiance of the 9 States – The whirling wheels of Malaysian federalism

‘On 1st May 2020, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the MCO would be substantially lifted come 4th May 2020. The MCO will hence be superceded by a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

‘In a stunning development, as many as 9 states have said they will not be following or complying fully with the Federal Government’s ease of movement and resumption of businesses at 100% capacity under the CMCO.

‘Is it unconstitutional for these States to not follow or fully comply with the Federal Government’s CMCO?’

Read here (Malaysian Public Law, May 2, 2020)

MITI urges state governments to follow Putrajaya's decision to relax the MCO

‘The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) today urged state governments to cooperate with the federal government's decision to implement the Conditional Movement Control Order or CMCO that allows almost all sectors of the economy to resume operations after almost two months of suspension under the MCO.

‘Failure to do so may result in the state governments facing the possibility of legal action from various parties, particularly industry players, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali cautioned in a statement today.

‘As it is, Mohamed Azmin said various industry associations, including the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the Malay Chamber of Commerce of Malaysia, have issued statements calling for state governments not to stop companies from resuming their operations from today, the first day of the CMCO.’

Read here (The Edge, May 4, 2020)

Govt needs a U-turn on conditional MCO

‘Yes, it is conditional, but it is physically impossible to ensure everyone complies. You need to give businesses more time to prepare for this, especially the smaller businesses – the small and medium enterprises or SMEs which employ about 70% of workers.

‘This is where infection is most likely – the most number of people are there and the ones most likely to ignore SOPs. They include all sorts of businesses – food and beverage, services, shops, workplaces – virtually all can reopen except for those that involve close contact and mass gatherings.’

Read here (FocusMalaysia, May 4, 2020)

Inventive routes back to normal life

‘Across the world, countries are embarking on enormous experiments in ending coronavirus lockdown measures - and others are looking on nervously, asking themselves what's the best way back to normality.

‘All these novel schemes, and many more, may help a return to some form of normality. But Ngaire Woods, professor of global economic governance at Oxford University, says easing lockdown requires us all to rethink our lives. "We have got to get testing tracing and isolating up and running fantastically well," she told Radio 4's Briefing Room. "We have to start thinking about preventative measures in public spaces and schools. We have got to manage the import of cases - so think about travel restrictions. That's a clear checklist in order to safely start lifting the lockdown."

‘Prof Woods says thinking will have to go far beyond just re-opening closed-down businesses. We may need to split workforces by age group - an example could be that older teachers must take their classes by video link. "Those are the questions we have to ask - they are not insurmountable problems. The alternative is to stay in a total lockdown."

Read here (BBC, May 4, 2020)

UrbanFutures: Building a trust economy

‘In a time of crisis, trust is a key currency. Not just trust in the system, but as a foundation for economic recovery. Here, we look at the essence of what makes an economy tick, how this relates to the current Covid-19 crisis and its impact on the most vulnerable, and the role of government in building a bounce-back economy based on trust.

‘Developing the trust economy involves three key aspects: (1) An enhanced role for government (2) Hyperlocalism and digital infrastructure (3) Protecting the welfare of the people.’

Read here (The Edge, May 4, 2020)

Singapore: New safe distancing guidelines, standards for workplaces after Covid-19 circuit breaker

‘When workplace activities gradually resume after the circuit breaker lifts, the Government will need to put in place new guidelines and standards to ensure that they remain safe from potential Covid-19 outbreaks, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 1).Speaking at a virtual press conference, Mr Wong said these guidelines will build upon existing measures to ensure safe distancing in workplaces for workers in essential services, such as wearing masks at work or not having workers socialise among themselves.

‘These guidelines... will also be complemented by a testing regimen as well as some form of technology that can ensure better tracking and monitoring should a confirmed case emerge in the workplace.’

Read here (Straits Times, May 1, 2020)

MMA: Public now the ‘frontliners’ in Covid-19 fight

‘Members of the public will now play the most important role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). Its president Dr N. Ganabaskaran said with the announcement of the conditional movement control order (MCO) by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the public must remain vigilant as the health crisis continues.

“As most businesses will resume operations on Monday (May 4), the public will now play the most important role in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic... The general public must now take on the role as frontliners, in battling the pandemic in public places by being disciplined in observing social distancing, personal hygiene and comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times or we can easily slip back into the ‘old norm’.’’

Read here (The Star, May 1, 2020)

Major challenges remain in Covid-19 testing

‘The phrase “when we have adequate testing” has become the siren song within many conversations around return, namely in reopening the economy. Unfortunately, many of these conversations do not fully consider some critical issues around availability, test characteristics, and — importantly — test strategy. These issues suggest a need to rapidly consider other methods of protecting the population during reentry that can be implemented to complement testing. Such protective methods could include physical barriers, universal masking (while acknowledging supply-chain issues with personal protective equipment), and physical distancing in public spaces.’

Read here (Mckinsey & Co, May 2020)

From surviving to thriving: Reimagining the post-COVID-19 return

‘In this article, we suggest that in order to come back stronger, companies should reimagine their business model as they return to full speed. The moment is not to be lost: those who step up their game will be better off and far more ready to confront the challenges—and opportunities—of the next normal than those who do not. There are four strategic areas to focus on: recovering revenue, rebuilding operations, rethinking the organization, and accelerating the adoption of digital solutions.’

Read here (McKinsey & Co, May 1, 2020)

The ‘terrible moral choice’ of reopening

‘Coming to terms with the new normal is hard. Our actions will reshape relationships, as we’ll no doubt be more inclined toward quick judgments if we think our friends and relations are acting out of self-interest rather than the greater good. We’re all living in a science experiment—and a political and social-science experiment as well.’

Read here (The Atlantic, April 29, 2020)

Germany's Covid-19 infection rate rises after lockdown lifted

‘The rate at which the coronavirus is spreading in Germany has increased following the easing of lockdown restrictions. Authorities say the “R” factor, which measures the average number of people that an infected person contaminates, is now close to the limit of target levels. It had been at around 0.7 on April 20th when Germany eased restrictions on movement and economic activity. Now it is at 0.96, said Lothar Wieler, the head of the Robert Koch Institute.’

Read here (Euronews, April 28, 2020)

Unified in coronavirus lockdown, India splinters over reopening

‘For five weeks, Indians of all stripes have united to zealously conduct a nationwide lockdown, the largest and one of the most severe anywhere. But as the central government has started lifting restrictions in areas with few or no known cases of the coronavirus, officials are now facing a new challenge: persuading fearful residents, and their leaders, to consider a partial reopening.’

Read here (New York Times, April 28, 2020)