Many questions have been raised as to how the government is going to execute a smooth transition to the normal economic and business conditions under the Movement Control Order (MCO) exit strategy. Can we continue with the same routines prior to the MCO as it is a long-haul battle against COVID-19?

It will likely be some time before everything returns to normalcy. It is certain that things will be somewhat different post-MCO. Some form of protocols related to social and economic norms will be introduced in our workplace, factories, public and crowded places, restaurants and shopping malls, etc. Safe distancing and protective measures are likely to be a new norm in our daily lives.

How best can we get the economy to stagger to normalcy while ensuring our community is safe and protected?

Being better prepared in planning and communication

There must be early preparation and transparency in the communication process to ensure a smooth transition towards a resumption of business operations post-MCO. There has to be continued engagement between the relevant ministries with all stakeholders to sort out the do’s and don’ts after the lifting of the MCO with CONDITIONS. It is suggested that there be a pre-announcement of a transparent MCO exit strategy plan that allows the type of businesses to resume operations by phases as it allows the companies/industries to get ready and prepare the SOP.

Lifting of MCO with conditions

It is expected that safe distancing may be required for a period of between one and three months or even longer, depending on the progress made in controlling the coronavirus transmission. Prior communication and engagement with businesses are vital to facilitate their making early preparations to reopen their operations, at least one week before the lifting of the MCO.

Enhanced safe-distancing counteract measures

Health rules and safe-distancing measures must be put in place to protect the health of the public. These include the continued practising of social distancing and personal hygiene, restricting the number of people at mass gatherings and customers entering stores/shops as well as the layout of tables and seating arrangement in restaurants if dine-in is allowed.

Allowing all economic sectors to operate

The agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining and services sectors should be allowed to operate according to the business capacity needs (in terms of the number of employees), that is as per the company’s request. Alternatively, for a start, allow 70 per cent of the workforce to resume work and gradually raise this to 80 to 100 per cent. Some businesses can continue with the remote working-from-home arrangement. Teleconferencing tools and technology gadgets and mobile apps as well as tech startups with creative applications are expected to facilitate more efficient organisational operations and the conduct of business meetings.

Risk-adjusted strategy for gatherings and public places as well as high risk groups

Places of worship can be allowed to open gradually with conditions. Besides promoting e-home learning/schooling programmes, the Ministry of Education can ponder opening schools with tiered attendance, split over different days of the week, to promote social distancing. Restaurants should open though take-away is strongly encouraged. For dine-in, some basic rules of safe-distancing must be observed in terms of the table layout and seating arrangements as well as the wearing of masks. Delivery workers must be allowed to move freely. Public gatherings with a controlled number of persons/participants can be allowed.

Government and municipal council offices remain open

The government should have leveraged more on e-services to enhance efficiency in public delivery services.

-- BERNAMA

Lee Heng Guie is the executive director of Socio-Economic Research Center (SERC), an independent research centre.