THE Academy of Medicine Malaysia (AMM) wants Putrajaya to lift the conditional movement control order (CMCO) which has been imposed in all but four states and look for an alternative way to break the chain of Covid-19 infection in the country.

The body representing medical specialists said the infectivity rate or the R-naught (r-0) which was the metric used to impose the CMCO, fell to 0.95 on November 9 from  2.2 at the start of September

“This improvement indicates that despite relatively high infection rates still seen in Sabah, Selangor and Penang, the infections are well-contained and there is no indication of a surge in cases,” it said in a statement today.

Only Negri Sembilan has a higher incidence rate than the national rate while Kedah, Perak, Terengganu, Johor, and Malacca are at relatively low levels,” it added.

“We call on the government to explain the science behind its decision to impose a blanket CMCO in the Klang Valley, Kedah, Perak, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Terengganu, despite the improving R figure,” it urged.

AMM said the government should find other strategies to contain the virus and revert to the recovery RMCO.

It suggested targeted enhanced movement control orders (TEMCO) on areas with high infection rates as it is less disruptive to the economy and public life.

“This, however, will come hand-in-hand with aggressive contact-tracing, testing and isolation to ensure that there is no spread of the virus in surrounding areas,” it said while lauding the Health Ministry’s excellent track record in handling such situations.

“We must adopt the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended ‘middle path’ and learn to coexist with the virus, minimise suffering and deaths without stopping and restarting the economy and public life. If Malaysia is to beat COVID-19, we must first learn to live with it,” it said.

AMM said movement restrictions can have a damaging effect on the economy especially to small and medium enterprises that employ 48% of workers.

It said children are also affected as they are forced to undergo remote learning after schools have been closed.

“It has been widely reported that not all students experience home-based learning the same way. A study found that 37% of students do not have the appropriate device,” it said.

Another study by the United Nations reported an increased drop-out rate among urban poor students, with one student in five citing demotivation and disinterest in education,” it added.

Schools are also where most children from low-income households get nutritious meals which they are otherwise deprived of.

Domestic violence has also increased, as families are under increasing financial and emotional stress.

“We cannot yet know the long-term impact that this will have on schoolchildren. It is imperative that they have the structure, socialisation, and outdoor activity normally experienced at school to mitigate the negative effects this pandemic may have on their cognitive and mental health,” it said.

The group also took note of the pandemic fatigue that has set which has started impacting compliance to infection-mitigation rules. 

The people, said AMM, must understand the scientific reasoning behind the restrictions.

“Moreover, the message must be consistent with action. Should there be any confusion, such as the recent uncertainty over ‘checking in’ at petrol stations, MOH must lead in providing clear, evidence-based recommendations before any penalties for noncompliance are enforced,” it said.

“It will be some time before a vaccine can fully rid us of this virus, but progress is possible if we work together as a country to break the chain of transmission. We hope the government opts for the middle path into our future,” it added. 

The academy also urged the government to increase data sharing with researchers, health professional organisations and other official bodies which may support them in the battle against Covid-19. 

It said transparency will allow scientists to better understand the Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia and reinforce public trust and boost compliance of SOP. – November 10, 2020.