.jpg "Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah speaks during his daily press conference on Covid-19 in Putrajaya February 9, 2021. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Hari Anggara")
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 — Malaysians must still adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Ministry of Health even after they have been vaccinated against Covid-19, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today.
He said that the risk of spreading the virus remains even after vaccination as there will still be large numbers of people who have not received their shots.
“We need to practise both public health measures as well as vaccination. Then it will be complete, and we can protect yourself and your family from the Covid-19 infection.
“We do not have strong evidence to show that once you are vaccinated, you are free to go back to your old life. We need to learn to live with the virus — which falls under two strategies — complying with the SOPs and vaccination,” he said in a press conference today.
He added that the Health Ministry will be monitoring the progress of the vaccination programme closely and evaluating responses and results.
“We know there is protection in the short term, but what about the midterm and long term?” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham stressed that at this point of time, Malaysia is not ready to completely do away with the SOPs set.
However, he added, if the vaccination programme is successful, the Health Ministry will consider reevaluating them.
“Perhaps a time will come when we can consider allowing those who have received the vaccine to travel. But at this point of time, we are not there yet,” he said.
