The Government will allow 11 economic sectors to reopen under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan tomorrow, which means states like Selangor and Negeri Sembilan will see all these sectors resuming operations.
These activities include hair saloons and beauty for the purpose of haircare only, car wash, electrical shops, home appliances, furniture outlets, sports shops, car accessories, car showrooms and distributions, street markets, fashion and accessory and jewellers. However the reopening will be subject to additional SOP’s, including the use of hand gloves while fitting rooms are still not permitted. There will also be new rules for hair saloons, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin said. In announcing these relaxations, he reminded everyone that although the restrictions can be cumbersome, they are necessary.
Under reopening guidelines, in order to given permission to patronise outlets, retail owners will have to insist that customers will first have to show their vaccination certificates, as the relaxation is for those who have already take both jabs and have gone through the 14-day incubation period or 28 days for those who were administered with the single dose vaccine.
This move comes after business associations have been calling for a reopening for those who have been vaccinated. After more than 70 days, these small business operators are relieved that they can reopen and start their business again as it has been a gruelling period for most of these entrepreneurs who have lost nearly all of their savings. Because Malaysia has been ramping up vaccination activities at an applaudable rate, the country could reach herd immunity by September with Klang Valley reaching the target by end of August.
The public can monitor the situation and are advised to check details on each sector and their SOPs, as there is also no indication if the outlets themselves have to ensure that all workers are to be fully vaccinated. Hopefully there is certification that shows which outlets are certified and which are not.
As for now we can appreciate that the economy is on the move and help these desperate businesses to pick up again.
