National Security Council (MKN) has allowed fully vaccinated individuals under the National Recovery Plan (PPN) Phase 1 states to dine-in at eateries starting from tomorrow, 20 August onwards. Naturally, they have to first show their digital vaccination certificate to the operator of the eateries before they are allowed to dine in.
According to the new directive which was announced by the caretaker Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, fully vaccinated couples with children aged 17 years old and below are also allowed for dine-ins. As per what we have reported before, one would only be considered “fully vaccinated” 14 days after receiving his or her second dose while single-dose vaccines’ gap time is much higher at 28 days.
At the same time, weekly and night markets in PPN Phase 1 states can be operational once again according to the caretaker PM Muhyiddin. However, only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to visit them.
MKN has also toned down the restrictions on sports and recreational activities at PPN Phase 1 states. While still restricted to individual activities that do not involve physical contact, people within these states are allowed to partake in them from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Not only that, they can participate in those activities in areas within the same district as long as they are being done outdoors or in semi-outdoor areas. As a comparison, current policy stipulated that such activities can only take place from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and are confined to just your housing area.
Some very specific sports have also been added to the list of allowed activities through today’s announcement such as golf, equestrian, archery, fishing, hiking, motorsports, and taichi as well as singles badminton and tennis. However, changing room and shower facilities at clubhouses are still being prohibited.
While this may sound odd, MKN has also added picnics and camping into the list of allowed activities including with the participation of children aged 17 years old and below. As usual, caretaker PM Muhyiddin pointed out that in-depth details regarding the new policy will be released by the council very soon.
In a related note, the Director-General of Health, Dr Noor Hisham has noted in a tweet that many places are re-opening due to economic factors and not because it is safe to do so. This tweet was published a few hours after the announcement by caretaker PM Muhyiddin, so we don’t think it was just a random public health advice.
A reminder to all, many places are opening because of economy & not because it is safe. Please keep that in mind; please wear a mask, double masks if possible, practice physical distancing & frequent hand washing. Avoid crowded & confined spaces. Stay safe & get vaccinated asap.
— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) August 19, 2021
With that, we hope you would also consider adhering to this advice from the DG. Not only for the sake of your own safety but your loved ones as well.
