THE one-metre distancing ruling for restaurant diners does not prevent the coronavirus from spreading, said a health consultant, stressing that ventilation is important in enclosed spaces. 

“The one meter distance does not work. The science is clear. It depends on ventilation of the room or building,” tweeted Dr Amar-Singh, Paediatrics head at Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainin Ipoh, Perak.

“Must follow the data & make the necessary modifications,” 

He was responding to the National Security Council’s announcement yesterday to relax the rules for diners and allow more than two people to be seated at a table provided there is a metre of space between them.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that restaurants in all areas, including those in areas under movement-control order (MCO), can start serving customers according to table capacity, provided that they observe one metre physical distancing rules.

The World Health Organisation and the US Centres for Disease Control recognise ventilation as key to curbing the spread of Covid-19. Good air flow helps to disperse airborne droplets emitted by infected people.

Ismail also announced the two passengers to a car limit was lifted.

Selangor, Johor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur remain under the MCO until March 4 while Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Putrajaya, Labuan and Sabah are under a conditional MCO.

Putrajaya recently lifted the 10km radius travel limit but interstate and inter-district travel is still prohibited in areas under all versions of the MCO. – February 19, 2021.