PETALING JAYA, Apr 15 (Sin Chew Daily) – Public health experts warn that the country is moving into the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, and members of the public must not take things lightly and must strictly adhere to all the SOPs and register for vaccination early to prevent the pandemic from worsening.

Personal behaviors

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Epidemiology and Biostatistics public health expert Associate Professor Dr Malina Osman warns that the numbers of new COVID-19 cases in the country have been increasing over the past four or five days, and the authorities must take the necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus.

She told Sinchew.com.my that real-time data and site observations have provided the signals for the next wave of infections.

He attributed the recent rise in daily new infections to personal behaviors.

"This includes gatherings, workplace and family events, weddings and chatting among the people while having a meal."

She urged the public to strictly adhere to government SOPs and avoid social gatherings and crowded public places.

She also urged the public to register for vaccination as soon as possible.

Avoid social gatherings

UKM health economy, hospital and health management Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh admits that the coronavirus pandemic in the country is progressing into the fourth wave of infections.

"The R-naught values keep increasing, especially in certain states like Selangor, Sarawak and Terengganu. There are many factors that have contributed to this phenomenon, including increased mobility, school reopening, full business resumption for the private sector, low vaccination rate and the presence of new variants in this country.

She said the size of a gathering should be reduced to not more than 50 people instead of 250.

She also said the government should step up screening of people in low-risk areas such as schools and workplaces because they could be carriers of the virus.

She urged the government to increase private vaccination facilities and outsource the service as some people do not have MySejahtera app and may have to apply manually.

Interstate travels

Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association (PPPKAM) president Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar pointed out to Sinchew.com.my that non-compliance with the SOPs and lax enforcement and supervision on the part of the authorities have been main reasons for a possible fourth wave of COVID-19 infections in the country.

He predicted that the daily new infection numbers will continue to climb, and MCO could be enforced again in some areas.

Members of the public are urged to stay away from crowded places and public events.

He also proposed that the government step up monitoring and screening.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya virology expert Professor Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar predicted that the fourth wave of infections will arrive if the government lifts the interstate travel ban.

"The last two waves of infections have been associated with interstate travels.

"The second wave was when people returned from Sabah, and the third wave when the government lifted interstate travel ban."