Non-Conformity to Social Distancing Rules Give Rise to Various COVID-19 Clusters in Malaysia

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) can be transmitted via contact with affected individuals and social distancing is widely practiced as a public preventive measure to contain the disease. Social distancing implementation includes maintaining at least one-meter distance between every individual, avoiding mass gatherings and staying out of crowded places. To ensure successful implementation of social distancing, many countries including Malaysia have opted for Movement Control Order (MCO). Under MCO, mass assembly of cultural, religious, and social events are prohibited, education institutions, government, and public premises are closed and there are strict restrictions on leaving and entering the country. Here, we report on several clusters of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia that emerged due to non-conformity toward social distancing. Our report thus provides information for policy makers for designing a better pandemic response plan in the country.

Keywords

• COVID-19 clusters
• movement control order
• social-distancing
• COVID-19 spread
• disease prevention