THE 20-person to each festive gathering limit served only as a guideline, said the director-general of health.

“Twenty is a relative number. If you have a very small apartment, it’s not feasible,” said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today in a daily Covid-19 press briefing, in Putrajaya.

“Forget the number and stick to the guidelines for social distancing. The 20-person limit is not a one size fits all.

“If your home has limited space, advise your children not to come back.”

Noor Hisham was responding to a question on asymptomatic transmission and whether it posed a threat during the Raya celebration on May 24-25.

Earlier, Putrajaya announced that visits were allowed only on the first day of Raya.

Each visit is limited to 20 close family members.

It also said that the size of the house should be considered.

“If you have a 600sq ft flat, 20 would be too crowded,” said Senior Minister (Defence) Ismail Sabri Yaakob when announcing the guideline. 

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham repeated his call for people to stay home during Raya.

“The infection rate before is highest 2-3 days before symptoms come out.

“As such it’s important to ensure social-distancing to reduce the incidence of infection. This is a unique Raya and we should protect ourselves and our families by having fewer visitors.”

Malaysia today reported 36 new cases and 88 recoveries. There were no new deaths. 

The number of recoveries stands at 5,439 and total cases, 6,855. The death toll is 112. – May 15, 2020.