KOTA KINABALU: Many people in a random Daily Express survey are supportive of the Federal Government’s action in imposing a Movement Restriction Order effective today (Wednesday) until the end of the month to curb the spread of the Covid-19 nationwide.

 However, they feel it may be a half measure at best and that the Government should have opted for a total lockdown. 

 They also blamed the Government for lacking the will to prevent an Islamic gathering (Tabligh) to take place in Selangor three weeks ago which has been directly linked to the spike in cases not only in the country, including Sabah, but also in neighbouring Brunei, Singapore, Philippines and even Cambodia.

 The victims in all the cases had attended the gathering.

 “I wonder what the reaction among some would have been had the gathering involved another faith,” said an insurance executive, who declined to be named.

 Over 14,000 people gathered at the event, including a large number from Sabah and efforts in tracing them to test for the virus have not been as desired.

 Fely, a government staff, said the Government should have imposed a travel ban and mass gathering prohibition as soon as the first positive case was recorded. 

“I wonder why they still allowed the Tabligh gathering when they know that there is a high risk for them to contact the virus. If only the Government did this earlier, probably less number of people will have been affected.

“Some of them are also not cooperative while making other people sick too,” she said.

 A doctor opined that the two-week partial lock down is too short to curb the spread of the corona virus.

 “Incubation period of the virus itself is at least two weeks and there are new individuals infected every day,” she told Daily Express, Tuesday.

 She added there is need for a longer lockdown period and a full lockdown (one person per household only allowed out), along with several well considered exceptions to curb the spread

 “Punitive measures need to be taken with strong collaboration with military, police and other law enforcement to make sure this is done as instructed. 

“Otherwise, too short of a lockdown time and irresponsible citizens still doing their own thing can risk blowing up this outbreak like in Italy,” she said. 

 She stressed that if such blow-up were to occur it would massively overwhelm health facilities in Sabah.

 “When that happens, we definitely do not have enough ICU beds, ventilator machines and health care staff to take care of critically ill patients. We don’t want to resort to having to pick and choose who receives treatment and who doesn’t.

“We are not China which can build a hospital in 10 days and get isolation rooms, ventilators, trained health care workers easily,” she said. 

Vergil Chui, a Financial Advisor, 28, also opined there should be a full lockdown as people moving around from their houses to certain essential places still pose risk of the virus spreading. 

 “I fear this will only perhaps prolong the inevitable in the future with another movement restriction. It is best that we permanently deal with it in one go, rather than partially. Then we save more time in the future and costs. Short term loss for long term gain,” he said.

Eugene Chiu, a café owner, 32, said the partial lockdown is inevitable and also an appropriate move by the Government.

“Our people are not disciplined enough to self-quarantine or even keep themselves or others safe. Partial lockdown such as the current one is the best choice because if it were a full lockdown, the people will panic even more

“However, I do foresee there are still hooligans not taking the restricted movement seriously and go against the law in doing their own things and go out and about. 

 “When that really happens, I foresee a full lockdown happening. Ultimately the question is, do we even have the military force to conduct a full lockdown?” he said.

 Meanwhile, some Sabahans said the order should have been imposed earlier while the number of cases were still low.

Kalistah, a Tour Operator said although the order poses a big downfall to the tourism sector where most have lost their jobs or are on unpaid leave indefinitely, it is still a wise move.

 “The order should have been announced earlier, maybe not on a drastic scale but aim industries that handle big crowds such as malls and tourism sector. There is no other way but the lockdown,” she said.

Adrian, an office worker who also supports the order, said in fact it should have been imposed when the country recorded 190 positive cases when the so-called second wave of cases emerged.

He said even though there would be much burden with the restriction, nevertheless, it is the best option available to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“In the meantime, we also should spare a few thoughts for our front liners who are doing a wonderful job in this current situation.

 Elsie a part-time businesswoman said as a parent, the government did the right thing to impose partial lockdown in a bid to stem the coronavirus’ spread.

 “The kids are especially vulnerable to the virus so we as parents are concerned if the number continue to increase.

“There is news from China saying that it is airborne so it’s quite worrisome and it has also caused a shortage of face masks,” she said.