THE number of Covid-19 cases has shot up to 3,332 today, with more than 1,000 cases reported in the state of Selangor alone. 

A simple calculation shows that 1.5% of our population have at one point or another been tested positive. This figure alone means nothing until we see people within our family or circle of friends being tested positive. 

Unconsciously, because of the need to open up the economy, everyone is now taking it easy, thinking that Covid-19 only affects other people, not ourselves. 

Therefore, with some care and precautions, we think we can overcome the spread of the virus. Checking of temperatures, social distancing and wearing of masks before entering shopping malls is nothing but a fad that gives us a false sense of safety. 

I am told by reliable sources that temperature checks, for example, can only detect 20% of Covid-19 cases, especially when these days, the virus has mutated to an extent that positive cases may not show any symptoms until the final stages. 

To revise the standard operating procedure (SOP) will mean more gadgets being installed at the expense of business owners and at the time, there are no gadgets that are really foolproof. As I understand it, even the breathalyser from Singapore is not necessarily effective as claimed by some. 

All I can say now is we must not have a false sense of safety when we think we have done our temperature checks before entering any public places or having our usual big meetings.

This is why I urge the public to be extra cautious when it comes to fighting with the unseen enemy. It is far more potent than we can all imagine. 

Education is far more important than the hefty fines imposed on simple traders, and I cannot understand now, why the law enforcers are blamed by lawmakers who amended the law under the Emergency Ordinance.

India is now languishing with the death of thousands of its citizens due to the pandemic. The situation in India, according to friends, is beyond control. We do not want to reach their climax. So, we better be more vigilant ourselves.

In Malaysia, we have to take stringent measures to ensure we are not hit with the next wave. I cannot help but express my concern when I see people still being apathetic towards the pandemic and how the mutated virus can be more potent than before. 

This is why I agree with the National Security Council for imposing stricter targeted movement-control orders on hotspots. The interstate travel ban should also be respected by all to ensure the virus does not spread. 

Students should revert to online learning especially in states where there is already a widespread number of cases. Of course, 1,083 cases in the state of Selangor is nothing alarming if compared to its population, but who would like to see our next of kin or even ourselves be part of the statistics?

If in Malaysia the VIPs get a special treatment, with an eye closed on the number of reported cases of VIPs flouting the SOP, in Thailand recently, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was fined US$190 for not wearing a mask during a government meeting. 

With Covid-19, no one is spared. Even Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah is now with the reality of the bug. I am sure this will not be the only Covid-19-positive case hereafter, judging from the way some of our VIPs have flouted the SOP. – April 29, 2021.

* Stephen Ng 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.