KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s transition from the Covid-19 pandemic to the endemic stage could also be introduced within the subsequent two to a few weeks, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic).
The Senior Minister stated the federal government was ready for reviews on the results of the Omicron variant, in addition to the latest floods and Malaysians returning to the nation, particularly those that had gone on their umrah (pilgrimage).
“A quartet ministers meeting will be held next week. We will be briefed by the Health Ministry, Foreign Ministry and other parties before we present these findings to the Covid-19 Special Task Force, which the Prime Minister chairs,
“We have determined seven criteria that need to be met before the country can enter the endemic phase.
They are the standard operating procedures, the Heightened Alert System; the Test, Report, Isolate, Inform, Seek; the Find, Test, Trace, Isolate, Support system; the gradual reopening of national borders and community empowerment ambassadors.
“The three factors mentioned earlier are what’s making us slightly cautious about announcing the transition.
“We are ready to announce the transition, but at the end of the day, it’s not for me to announce but for the Prime Minister, after the Covid-19 Special Task Force agrees to it,” he informed reporters at Wisma Perwira right here yesterday.
Hishammuddin, who can also be the Defence Minister, stated what was essential was that the transition could be made in an orderly method.
On the potential for Johor having a state election, he stated the views of the Health Ministry must be taken into consideration.
“Johoreans may ask what would be the difference between a state election there and the ones held in Melaka and Sarawak (late last year).
“Whatever it is, let us wait for a decision on whether a state election is called,” he stated, including that there was no have to unfold concern and it was essential that the Johor state election, if one known as, was run correctly.
“We will use the Sarawak and Melaka state elections as points of reference.”
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