Malaysia: Authorities to introduce movement restrictions in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state October 14-27 /update 32

Event

Malaysian authorities have introduced movement restrictions in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state from Wednesday, October 14, to October 27, in an effort to further curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The government issued curbs on activities, ranging from attending schools and places of worship to playing sports. However, all economic activities in Selangor, the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya will be allowed to operate as usual.

Authorities previously introduced travel restrictions from Sabah state to the Peninsula, Sarawak, and Labuan due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections. The travel restrictions came into effect on Monday, October 12, and will be in place until October 25. Additionally, restrictions were introduced in several districts of Sabah state on September 29, including Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak, and Semporna. Under the restrictions, termed a Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO), non-essential businesses are required to close, and movement in and out of the affected districts is prohibited. Businesses providing essential goods and services and medical facilities are exempt from the closure. Approximately 960,000 people are expected to be affected by the TEMCO.

As of Monday, October 12, there have been 15,657 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Malaysia with 157 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. 
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.