JOHOR BARU: Johor police will continue to monitor and conduct checks at public areas to ensure continued compliance with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

       State police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (pic) said based on the SOP under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), updated on Sept 9, Johor was still under this directive.

       “Picnics and camping activities are allowed in the same district. Individuals who have complete vaccination are allowed to bring children 17 years of age and under for such activities in strict compliance with SOPs.

       “Complete vaccination means those who have received two doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinovac,” he said when contacted on Monday (Sept 13), adding that 14 days must have elapsed since the second dose was administered.

       He added that while picnics and camping activities were allowed, visitors should remember to follow SOP.

       Face masks must always be worn without fail, while check-in with MySejahtera or recording personal details in a premises' logbook is mandatory, he said.

       He also said physical distancing of at least 1m should be observed and visitors are advised to avoid gathering in large numbers.

       “All this actually depends on the awareness of the visitors themselves. They need to take care of their safety even if an activity is allowed.

       “Bring hand sanitiser and always clean your hands when visiting picnic areas, and avoid drinking and eating in public in this location,” he added.

       Comm Ayob Khan said police would be monitoring and conducting inspections at picnic locations to ensure that visitors complied with SOP.

       He urged the public to cooperate by providing vaccine cards as well as digital vaccination certificates on MySejahtera.

       “I understand people nowadays really want to visit these picnic locations after so long, but we need to take care of ourselves to avoid being infected.

       “Although children under 17 are allowed to accompany fully-vaccinated parents, I suggest that if the location is seen as unsuitable, the picnic can be postponed because the risk of infection is more dangerous to children and babies,” he said.