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CORONAVIRUS | A coalition of medical associations have urged the government to act decisively in the Covid-19 outbreak, warning that the window of opportunity is closing.
“As Malaysia’s emergency physicians, critical care specialists, intensivists and public health physicians, we urge the government to act now to control the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Our window of opportunity is closing rapidly, and we must quickly implement an all-of-society strategy,” they said in a statement.
The joint statement was signed by Academy of Medicine Malaysia master Dr Rosmawati Mohamad, College of Anaesthesiologists president Dr Jahizah Hassan, Malaysian Society of Anaesthesiologists president Dr Marzida Mansor, Malaysian Society of Intensive Care president Dr Mohd Basri Mat Nor, College of Emergency Physicians president Dr Ridzuan Mohd Isa, College of Public Health Medicine president Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman, Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Zainal Ariffin Omar, Academy of Medicine Malaysia council member Chan Yoo Kuen and Universiti Malaya Health Systems and Policies senior fellow Dr Khor Swee Kheng.
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The doctors suggested that the government undertake the following measures:
1) Act decisively in prohibiting mass gatherings
This should be uniformly applied across all government agencies, private businesses, civil societies, religious authorities and communities.
This is not a lockdown, which is too extreme and unnecessary. Essential services should continue, and citizens should have basic freedom of movement.
2) Act firmly to educate the public about “social distancing”
It is the best intervention to reduce viral spread. We must provide adequate support for workers (who may lose income), employers (who may lose revenue) and citizens (who may lose services).
We must protect the mental and physical health of older adults staying at home; civil society organisations can help fill this gap.
3) Deliver clear, coordinated and confident risk communications
This is to provide a reliable source of information, advice and recommendations.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/514888
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