THERE’S no magic formula or special date as to when the movement-control order can be lifted, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Even after the MCO lifted, life won’t be the same as before, as it will take some time before the pandemic blows over fully, the former prime minister said in an interview on Facebook Live with Sunway Velocity Medical Centre’s Dr Nurul Yaqeen today.

“There’s no special date when we can say we are free from Covid-19. 

“The pandemic won’t end overnight but with some restrictions, it will taper off,” the 95-year-old said.

“This is the first time I have experienced this (virus pandemic). Previously, it was only epidemic level and limited to certain areas and there was no lockdown. But this time, we have it all over the world.”

As there is no “cure” for viral infections, he said it will take time before a vaccine can be developed.

It normally takes around 18 months for a vaccine to be ready as it needs clinical trials to determine its effectiveness and safety, he said.

“It will need at least six months to be put into a person to see whether he can be infected after receiving the vaccine, and what are the side effects.

“But I believe that Malaysia can help in this area as it has experience with dengue and the Nipah virus.”

He also said Malaysians may have to embrace a “new normal” while waiting for a vaccine to be developed.

“Changes happen all the time like when the telephone was invented. What we are facing now is a pandemic and hence we must do social distancing and avoid gatherings.

“Many things will change and maybe the effects will be better. Take, for instance, online businesses. Online trading has now taken off and people can sell anywhere.”

Rebuilding after Covid-19 will be different compared to reconstruction efforts following World War II, he added.

“Technology has changed so much and given us so many advantages. Our lifestyle will change but it is eased by technology.” – April 17, 2020.