PETALING JAYA: As the country returns to some semblance of normalcy with interstate travel resuming now, health experts say the authorities need to continue monitoring the situation to prevent a surge in cases.

       Universiti Malaya epidemiologist Prof Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud said there must be a close watch on the situation as certain variants such as Delta are very transmissible as seen in Singapore and New Zealand – countries that are beginning their transition to co-exist with the virus.

       However, he said he believes that even if there is a surge in cases, as long as infections remain mild, the situation will be manageable.

       “So, keeping our finger on the pulse of the pandemic is especially crucial, and that requires having good data, good indicators and continuous analysis,” he said when contacted yesterday.

       Universiti Putra Malaysia consultant clinical microbiologist Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi believes that complying with the standard operating procedure (SOP) is important.

       “In countries where there is a surge in cases. it is because they are more relaxed about the SOP, so obviously the virus will spread. The initial mitigation factors were not there,” he said.

       Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Amrahi Buang said the concern should not be on the number of cases but on hospitalisation rates.

       “We have already achieved an almost 90% adult vaccination rate and with the adolescents’ vaccination rate, I think we are on the right path to getting as many people vaccinated. This is a good strategy,” he said.

       To live with the virus, Amrahi said, means that there is still a need to continue with public health measures.

       “As we reopen interstate travel, the onus is on people to take care of themselves. It is time for people to be more vigilant and take responsibility,” he said.

       Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye urged the public to remain cautious in whatever they do and to never let their guard down.

       He said that as the target to have 90% of the total population immunised is not achievable immediately, there is still a need to continue promoting the vaccination programme and to observe the SOP.

       He added that the authorities, too, must constantly revise and review the SOP after monitoring the situation.