THE idea of introducing a short “circuit-breaker” or a targeted total lockdown to break the chain of Covid-19 infections at specific localities would need to be fully scrutinised, says Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid.

       The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the priority now was still the National Recovery Plan.

       “The government will only impose a total lockdown based on the locality that has a high rate of local infections.

       “On the move to curb the spread of Covid-19 via a circuit-breaker, it needs to be scrutinised further to consider its impact on mental health and socio-economic aspects,” she said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) during Question Time yesterday.

       Shamsul had asked whether the government would consider imposing a short circuit-breaker to curb the spread of Covid-19.

       To an earlier question, Mastura said the implementation of any form of a movement control order would depend on the situation and would take into account the risk assessment by the Health Ministry.

       She said among the factors to be considered are the rate of increase in cases, positive case distribution and population density.