PETALING JAYA: It’s not over until it’s over, say health experts on Malaysia’s impending transition towards endemicity beginning April 1.

       Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said despite the transition being a bright light at the end of the tunnel, the fight against Covid-19 was far from over. “Yes the situation is definitely not as bad now especially with our significant vaccination coverage alongside fewer deaths but there is still uncertainty over a potential outbreak.

       “Additionally, there is also concern of the virus mutating which will bring about new variants of concern with the most recent being the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant,” she said, adding that the danger of new variants could not be ascertained or predicted.

       She also cautioned how further relaxations such as the lifting of capacity restrictions alongside the reopening of borders could result in a spike in cases.

       “Upcoming social activities during Ramadan and Hari Raya will most definitely see participation from those of all age groups.

       “As such, the authorities should step up surveillance efforts to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), especially since more restrictions are soon to be lifted,” she pointed out.

       Dr Sharifa said the potential congregation of large crowds also brought about concerns, especially those in high-risk groups such as the elderly or those with comorbidities, who could experience severe symptoms if they contracted the virus.

       “Similarly, despite the vaccination rate for those aged between five and 11 rising, at least 65% of those from that age group had yet to receive a dose of the vaccine as of March 15.

       “This poses a grave risk which continues to put them at risk of contracting serious symptoms if infected.

       “Parents should be alert to possible infections among their children,” she said.

       Dr Sharifa, however, noted the nation’s significant vaccination coverage does help to prevent cases from recurring here.

       Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, similarly, cautioned that Malaysia was not in the clear despite the further relaxation of health measures. “We need to be aware that this is a transition towards endemicity as we have not come out of the pandemic yet.

       “The virus is still present and people need to continuously practise the SOP especially on wearing masks and personal hygiene issues,” she said, adding that people should also ensure they were either fully vaccinated or have received the booster shots.

       Dr Moy also noted there was still the possibility of potentially lethal new variants.

       She also noted that a global surge in cases could occur if variants more infectious compared with Omicron existed, adding that a spike in cases might continue despite the country entering an endemic stage.

       “A dangerous combination of community spread infections alongside lax preventive measures can also contribute to case surges,” she added.

       Dr Moy also advised the public to stay updated with announcements by the Health Ministry on the Covifd-19 situation in the country and act accordingly.

       “If there is a high number of cases within your community, continue to strictly practise measures including wearing a mask and avoiding crowded areas.

       “If you do happen to be infected, follow the TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform and seek help) method to mitigate spreading the virus to others,” she said.

       Dr Moy also advised the public to keep their immunity level high by practising a healthy lifestyle and advised those with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia to keep their blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid levels within a normal range.

       On March 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the nation would begin its transition towards endemicity beginning April 1.

       Among the relaxation of measures announced were the reopening of borders, allowing businesses to operate according to their licences and removing capacity restrictions on venues.

       The nation is experiencing a downward trend in cases with the highest number of infections at 34,406 cases as of March 5 with the number of daily cases dwindling since then.

       As of March 15, the nation has a cumulative total of 3,872,135 cases since the pandemic began.

       A transition towards an endemic phase is similarly looming in other countries such as the United Kingdom, which has removed all restrictions related to Covid-19.

       In the United Kingdom, the number of daily cases peaked at 219,290 on Jan 4 before dropping to 31,885 daily cases as of Feb 25.

       An upwards trend of daily cases was however recorded since then with 120,057 cases reported on March 15.

       Countries such as the United States, Japan and South Africa have also begun to exhibit a downward trend in the daily infection rates following surges in recent months.

       In the United States, the highest number of daily infections was recorded on Jan 10 with 1,433,977 daily cases before dropping to 25,489 cases on March 15.

       Japan recorded its peak number of cases on Feb 3 with 104,345 before a downward trend was seen at 50,695 cases on March 15. The situation in South Africa differs with the cases showing various recurring highs and lows.

       During its peak, South Africa recorded 22,388 cases on Dec 9, 2021 with cases having dropped to 1,648 as of March 15.