PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia can expect to move from the Covid-19 pandemic into an endemic phase by the end of October, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       The Health Minister said with 80% of the population expected to be vaccinated by then, it is about time that the country learnt to "live with the virus."

       "We will wait for the next two months, when 80% of the population are vaccinated.

       "In the case of Labuan and to a lesser extent, Sarawak – they are already in an endemic phase.

       "So I can say by then we will reach a phase where we start living with the virus.

       "Right now, there are some states that are still in mitigation and containment mode," said Khairy, in a press conference at the ministry on Wednesday (Sept 1).

       Khairy said being in an endemic phase would see more sectors reopened with new Covid-19 norms being practised.

       He added that the ministry would continue to make mask-wearing mandatory for the foreseeable future.

       "We have seen how some countries had to make mask-wearing compulsory again following the emergence of more contagious variants.

       "So we will retain the mask mandate," said Khairy.