JOHOR BARU: The battle against Covid-19 is far from over even with the easing of restrictions and Malaysia expecting to transition from the Covid-19 pandemic to an endemic phase by the end of next month.

       Although they now have leeway for outings with the family, many parents say they will not let up on their vigilance against the virus.

       Mohd Yusof Abd Karim, 45, a private-sector employee, urged caution and not complacency.

       “We have a collective duty to fight this pandemic and ensure that infections do not rise again.

       “Even though I have been fully vaccinated, I take careful measures whenever I go out in public.

       “We are responsible not only for ourselves but also our family,” he said when met at Stulang Laut here yesterday.

       The father-of-three said none of his children ever left the house without his supervision.

       “They have been cooped up at home with me since I also work from home, and this is the first time we’ve come out during the NRP (National Recovery Plan) phase.

       “As there are not many people around, I’m comfortable allowing them out of the car for a breather,” he added.

       Ayuni Allaudin, 23, said she took the opportunity to take her three-year-old son to the beach as they hardly had the chance to spend time outdoors together.

       “Public parks are still closed and some places do not allow children and babies, so here we are.

       “Even though I am completely vaccinated, I still take additional precautions when I am out.

       “We have to be responsible parents, not just for our own children’s safety, but also for the protection of other children,” the factory worker added.

       Civil servant Ahmad Fahmi Zakaria, 38, agreed that parents played a crucial role in keeping their children safe.

       “We have to follow SOP and practise physical distancing while at public places and avoid public gatherings. That’s just the new way of living.”

       He added that both he and his wife, though fully vaccinated, continue to be extremely cautious.

       When contacted, Johor Health Department director Datuk Dr Aman Rabu likened vaccination to wearing the seat belt inside a car.

       “Even though we are buckled up, we should still be vigilant.

       “Vaccination does not prevent us from getting Covid-19 but it can protect us from being badly affected,” he said.

       He repeated the need to double mask and practise good hygiene and for physical distancing.

       “People should avoid exposing themselves to the risk of contracting Covid-19 by limiting their socialising and movement outside to protect themselves and their families.

       “Before stepping out of their home, people should make sure that they are healthy and do not show any symptoms.

       “They should also bring and constantly use hand sanitiser as well as making sure the locality they are visiting is listed in the MySejahtera app,” he said.