THE movement control order (MCO) will be extended until April 28, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in efforts to stem the continued rise of coronavirus cases.

“Efforts to combat Covid-19 has been good, but more efforts are needed.

“Following the advice of Health Ministry, we have decided to extend it from April 15 to April 28,” said the 72-year-old in a special live televised address today.

The MCO was started on March 18 to break the chain of coronavirus infections in the country by minimising physical contact.

On March 25, Putrajaya decided to extend the MCO for another two weeks to April 14.

As of yesterday, Malaysia has a total of 4,228 cases with 67 deaths. The number of recoveries were 1,608 with 72 still in ICU while another 43 are still on ventilators.

He said the MCO extension is to enable healthcare workers more time to end the Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia.

Muhyiddin said the extension is in line with the World Health Organisation’s plea to countries not to end their lockdowns “too prematurely”.

“Other countries have seen a spike in infections after lifting their lockdowns.”

He said Malaysians must be prepared to face this situation for a long time.

“Maybe up to several months before we are sure that the outbreak has been contained 100%.”

Recoveries surpass infections

Muhyiddin said the MCO has helped stabilise Covid-19 infections in the country.

“According to the Health Ministry, the month-long MCO has reduced the rate of infections and spread of the virus.

“Following the measures, the Covid-19 cases is under control at 7%—well below the 10% set by the World Health Organisation.

“Fatality rate is also low at 1.6% compared to the 5.8% global average.”

He said Malaysia’s fight against Covid-19 is encouraging as the recoveries (220 cases) have surpassed infected cases (118) for the first time today.

“If this trend continues for another two weeks, we should be able to contain the outbreak.” – April 10, 2020.