ALTHOUGH the authorities had assured that a ‘total lockdown’ would not be implemented again due to the rising Covid-19 cases, stakeholders in Penang and public at large are keeping a watchful eye on the highly transmissible Omicron wave.
Just recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had said the Omicron coronavirus variant caused less severe disease than the Delta strain but it remains a “dangerous virus”, particularly for those who are unvaccinated.
Several people whom Buletin Mutiara spoke with shared their views and have urged everyone to remain cautious.
Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) vice-president Datuk Finn Choong said the situation right now has already become a norm.
“The Covid-19 situation, in my view, is very dynamic as we are part of the democratic system vis a vis the rest of the world.
“Many other countries have been moving to the endemic phase despite the increasing number of cases.
“Hence, it’s important for us to be maintain our precautionary measures all the time within our community,” he said.
Beautician Ennis Soon, 35, said it was necessary to not let our guard down although we are facing the less lethal Omicron strain.
“As usual, we need to make sure that everyone around us is following regulations.
“No matter whether it is Omicron or Delta variant, we still need to do our necessary procedures,” she said, hoping that the number of active cases will go down.
Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman Raj Kumar urged the people not to panic.
“The cases are rising, but the hospitalisation and death rates are unlike the previous situation.
“We need to be cautious as usual and adhere to SOPs, but, at the same time, we need to learn to live with the virus.
“For hotels, our revenue will surely go down after festive season as this had happened previously. As long as we are taking precautionary measures, everything will be alright,” he added.
Mohd Akbal Mohd Hussain, 56, who is a gardener at a primary school in Air Itam, hoped the education authorities could monitor the cases involving schools.
“The education clusters have been emerging lately and I hope the kids can study from home if the cases turn from bad to worse,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewees