Critical Alert
Malaysia to enact stricter curbs in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan districts in Sabah State from Oct. 7 due to COVID-19.
Alert Begins 06 Oct 2020 04:12 AM UTC
Alert Expires 20 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Event: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan districts, Sabah State (map)
- Start Time/Date: Oct. 7
- Impact: Heightened security, business and transport disruptions
Summary
The central government plans to impose strict movement protocols, termed the conditional movement control order (CMCO), in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan districts in Sabah State from Oct. 7 due to high local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The measures will be more severe than related policies throughout Malaysia; the end date of the controls is unclear. Entry and exit restrictions will be in effect for the localities. Only essential businesses and services, including food establishments, medical facilities, and manufacturing of essential products, will operate on-site. Traditional markets will open 0600-1400, while food establishments and petrol stations can operate 0600-1800 daily. Companies in nonessential industries must allow employees to either telecommute or take leave from work. Authorities will suspend education institutions, night and wholesale markets, places of worship, as well as cultural and sporting activities. Only two persons from each household can leave their homes to obtain essential supplies.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy personnel and erect checkpoints to enforce the controls. Severe business and transport disruptions will likely occur in the affected districts during the movement restrictions. Officials may expand or extend the measures if local COVID-19 activity remains high.
Advice
Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Avoid all nonessential operations in the affected districts. Confirm appointments. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
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