THE Ministry of Health is studying technical and clinical data following a proposal to allow interstate travel for people who have completed the two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said the proposal to grant interstate crossings had been discussed by the National Security Council with Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin raising the matter.

“I agree with the prime minister. Interstate travel upon completion of vaccination should be allowed as an incentive to encourage the public to get their Covid-19 vaccine shots,” he said in Putrajaya today.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin said people who receive both vaccine doses may be allowed to travel interstate or even abroad in a proposal that will be soon decided at an NSC meeting.

Adham said for now, interstate travel was only allowed for people involved in the essential services sector as well as for tourism between recovery movement control order states, with a condition that tourists use agencies and tour vehicles registered with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).

“Yes, there have been Covid-19 cases recorded from interstate crossings but no clusters,” he said.

He also said people completing the vaccination process still need to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“They are not exempted from having to use face masks, practise good hygiene and observe physical distancing,” he said.

Adham said detailed preparations have been made at all 600 vaccination centres (PPV) to ensure the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme runs smoothly from April 17.

“Registration for the vaccine needs to be intensified and this can be done through the MySejahtera application, hotline number or at health facilities,” he said.

Some 9.4 million recipients are targeted under the second phase, which will involve high-risk groups such as senior citizens, patients with chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities and individuals with comorbidities.

“As of today, 498,468 people have received their first dose and in a few days, we will be achieving the 500,000 first dose completion mark,” he said. – Bernama, April 2, 2021.