Ex-PM Mahathir Self-Quarantine After Close Contact with COVID-19 MP; Says It’s ‘Not So Hard for Me’

The COVID-19 situation all over the world is no laughing matter.

For starters, the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus has surpassed 200,000.

Perhaps you’ve been reading news after news article regarding the virus every day for what feels like ages now.

But don’t let the figures desensitize you to the reality that each number represents someone’s sibling, parent, relative or friend.

Most importantly, this virus can infect anyone, including officials.

Ex-PM Mahathir Self-Quarantine After Close Contact with COVID-19 MP; Says It’s ‘Not So Hard for Me’

According to The Star, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is undergoing a self-quarantine after he came into close contact with an MP who has been infected with the COVID-19.

A spokesman confirmed this on Thursday saying that indeed, “he is under self-quarantine”.

What Happened

The 95-year-old had posed for pictures with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen who is undergoing quarantine at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

Dr Yii had tested positive for the COVID-19 and had taken to Facebook on 17 March to share the news.

This came after he came into close contact with Sarikei MP Andrew Wong Ling Biu who tested positive for COVID-19 on 15 March.

By now you can see just how contagious this virus is. Take photo also cannot.

Dr Mahathir Shares Quarantine Experience At Home, Says “It’s not so hard for me”

Dr Mahathir shared with TV3’s Buletin Utama about his experience being under quarantine at home.

He emphasized the need to be responsible and observe quarantine if need be.

He said, “I will follow (self-quarantine). It is important in addressing this problem, to be disciplined.”

He also elaborated how doing this can help to prevent the further spread of the virus.

“We must self-quarantine at home for 14 days. If we do that, there will be less possibility of the virus spreading to other people,” said Dr Mahathir.

He also describes what needs to be done while on quarantine which includes being a social recluse at home and avoiding social interaction.

“So, now I am just at home. I cannot go out and I cannot meet people. I cannot shake hands, and others.”

Well, that doesn’t sound so bad after all and apparently, he agrees.

Dr Mahathir said, “However, Alhamdullilah, it is not so hard for me.”

It’s good news that he has adjusted well to quarantine life.

But most importantly, the point to take away from this is that there is a need to exercise social responsibility and stay home if you are ill.

Also, being responsible and serving quarantine if required so as to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Better safe than sorry right?

The Situation In Malaysia

On Thursday, Malaysia reported 110 new COVID-19 cases which brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 900, according to Health Minister Adham Baba.

Out of the new cases, 63 are linked to the religious gathering at a mosque in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.

As many as 16,000 people were present at the event which was also linked and resulted in infections in countries like Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand.

As of Thursday midnight, the authorities successfully contacted 10,533 of the attendees. 4,986 samples were taken from them and 513 were confirmed to have the COVID-19.

A 34-year-old man, one of the attendees, died in hospital on Tuesday after his condition worsened.

Malaysia’s death toll is two.

Restricted Movement Order In Malaysia

A restricted movement order was announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin which bans its citizens from travelling overseas and foreigners from entering Malaysia for as long as two weeks which began on Wednesday.

However, on Wednesday night, it was announced that it may be extended by “maybe another two weeks or even longer” if the situation worsens.

He also encourages Malaysians to stay home during these two weeks so as to stop the virus from spreading further.