I AM not a man of medicine. Just the man next door who is alarmed that we have marked another record high for the second consecutive day.

It has now become more critical that every front liner – that’s each one of us – observes the 3Ws:

Wash – Wash our hands regularly and for 20 seconds.

Wear – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where we will come into contact with people we do not normally meet.

Warn – Stay one metre away from people we do not live with, where possible.

The last ‘W’ is about physical distancing.

It is now called physical – not social – distancing. It is essential to stop the spread of the virus, as it is more likely to spread when people are close together. An infected person can be asymptomatic and pass the virus on by talking, breathing, coughing or sneezing.

Physical distancing is also about people who do not live together in a household avoiding physical contact, being close and face-to-face. They should not also meet in groups of more than five or six.

In England, it is against the law to meet in groups of more than six, indoors or outdoors. In Singapore, when rules on social gatherings were relaxed in the second phase of the opening of the economy, only five people may meet up in a group, indoors or outdoors. Each household may receive up to five visitors per day. Groups of up to five people can also meet outside of homes, such as at restaurants for meals. But they should practise safe distancing and avoid mixing between different groups.

People should also avoid crowded areas with lots of people; and touching things that other people have touched.

This takes us to the 3Cs that should be avoided: Crowded places, confined spaces, close conversation.

It’s as easy as ABC; it’s just 3Ws to observe and 3Cs to avoid. Sabah is a good example where the 3Ws weren’t observed and the 3Cs weren’t avoided.

We need the politicians to take the lead now. It does not matter that they are not the only ones behind the spike. – October 3, 2020.

 *Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.