SIBU, July 7: The State government should consider lifting the lockdown and allowing all businesses, whether essential or non-essential, to open as the Covid-1 situation has improved, opines a business owner.
Operator of Solid Gym, Lau Kah Yii said today that the government must bear in mind that almost all sectors have stopped to function or operate during the lockdown as a joint effort to contain the pandemic.
“When businesses are allowed to reopen, it should be for all quarters. The so-called non-essential services have now become essential because many people depend on these services or businesses to survive. These are their only source of income,” he said.
Lau recalled that the state had gone under a 33-day lockdown from Jan 13 to Feb 15 due to the emergence of th Pasai Siong cluster.
This was followed by a 82-day lockdown from April 22 till July 12.
“During the lockdown, people have cooperated, with businesses and most industries, social and recreational organisations, sports and health facilities as well as religious bodies obligingly shutting down. The lockdown has admittedly yielded fruits. The people generally are happy to see significant drops in the numbers of positive Covid-19 cases,” he said.
However, many businesses, he said, have suffered heavy losses, with many having to meet the fate of closing down for good and losing their jobs in the process.
The gloomy scenario is reflected in the huge number of white flags hoisted by households in the less affluent housing areas, he explained.
Lau said it is now time for the economy of the state to open for all businesses.
“Our beloved coordinator of Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee Dr Annuar Rapaee was reported to have said in a DayakDaily report that festive celebrations are the major contributors of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak. With that knowledge, we can better control the spread of the disease. In fact, it is everybody’s knowledge that the standard operating procedures (SOP) are crucial in the fight against Covid-19,” he said.
He further called on the authorities to work closely with the various businesses and services to mete out the best SOPs according to each sector’s respective needs.
Lau also hoped the government will allow gyms in the state to reopen, but under strict SOP.
“Our Solid Gym has constantly revised and enhanced our SOP. For instance, we require everyone entering our gym to put on a face mask which must not be removed for as long as they remain in the gym.
“And, certificates of vaccination against Covid-19 must be shown for newcomers during registration. Walk-in visitors too must show their vaccination certificate. Existing members are also required to show the vaccination certificate when renewing their membership,” he stressed.
With Covid-19 not going away anytime soon, he reckoned that everyone has no choice but to live with it for the time being.
“We believe we will emerge victorious against Covid-19 if we can all work together,” he said. — DayakDaily
