The ‘Avoid Close Conversations’ campaign by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to prevent further COVID-19 infection among citizens was well-received by the Health Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr Adham Baba.
“The campaign’s objective is to educate and bring about awareness to the public to practice social (physical) distance while in a conversation with one another,” he told reporters at the Kuala Kangsar Health Clinic (Type 3) project handover ceremony recently.
“Droplets can reach up to a metre. What’s worse, they’re unblockable and reach other individuals easier and faster, especially droplets from symptomatic ones,” Adham explained.
“Thus, a second wave of worldwide COVID-19 infection might possibly occur if social distancing is not practiced,” he expressed.
According to Adham, the unwillingness to undergo tests from close contacts of COVID-19 patients and those who returned from other countries that didn’t know they’ve contracted the virus are a few of the main factors that might contribute to the rise of a second infection wave of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Adham shared that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will be disclosing a more reasonable pricing of face masks in the near future.
“The new pricing might take effect August 10 onwards, but the ceiling price of face masks sold remains at RM1.50 per piece,” he said.
“Also, wearing a face mask at schools is not compulsory, but students who want to may do so,” Adham stated. “After all, the main step in preventing further infection of the virus is via social distancing.”
Rosli Mansor
