KOTA KINABALU; Not allowing unvaccinated individuals to shop in supermarkets and dine in restaurants can help to curb covid-19 infections.
Chinese relation officer for Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Goon Thien Shang said enforcing the requirement would be an effective way to ensure that infections were minimised if not stopped all together.
Goon however believed observing the SOP could also minimise infections when they were strictly adhered to and enforced.
“People shopping in supermarkets, vaccinated or not, should wear masks that cover their nose and mouth tightly,” he in a statement today.
According to him, there were times when people walked around with masks over their mouth but not over their nose.
He also stressed that shoppers should take advantage of the hand sanitizers when they go into the premise, and again when they leave the premise.
“They should sanitize their hands at the entrance and again when they leave. This will help to ensure that their hands are clean. Do not linger too long in enclosed supermarkets. Go in, buy and leave.”
As for dine-in, Goon said it was better to pack food to eat at home.
“However, if one really want to dine in, vaccinated or not, they should follow the SOP. Wear masks properly and don’t take them off until your food is served and you can eat. Always ask for piping hot water to dip in your fork and spoons or chopsticks.”
He said customers may also pack alcohol saturated tissues to wipe the table, if possible.
He also advised eatery operators to ensure that their tables were at least six feet apart, with only two chairs.
“This will ensure enough room for customers to observe social distancing.”
Goon stressed that not going into supermarkets and crowded areas as well as to refrain from dining out were still the best way to flatten the curve.
He also believed that getting the vaccine was imperative to ensure against infection.
“I therefore urged everyone to get vaccinated, not only because this will enable you to dine in or shop without too much worry, but because it is for your own well being and that of your family and friends.”-pr/BNN
