THE Health Ministry will move in should Covid-19 be detected at social gatherings, which, starting July 1, can have up to 250 people.

Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the premises or locality where the event took place will be sealed off.

“If there is Covid-19 transmission from social gatherings, we will close the locality, hotel or restaurant.

“We will allow social gatherings, but we will monitor them. If a positive case is detected or if there’s a new cluster, we will take the necessary action,” he told a daily press conference on the coronavirus today.

He reiterated that social distancing is the best safety measure to take in the absence of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Malaysia is poised to see zero new infections by the middle of next month if compliance with standard operating procedures remains high, said Dr Noor Hisham.

Earlier today, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said religious and social gatherings, including weddings and birthday parties, of up to 250 attendees will be allowed starting next month.

These events can be held for a maximum of five hours, with strict SOPs in place, he said. – June 24, 2020.