In a statement, the PH secretariat council said this would be a reasonable move to consider, based on the government’s achievements in curbing the spread of Covid-19 so far.

“If the MCO is extended beyond April 14, the economic burden – especially for SMEs and the B40 group in green zones – can be lifted by allowing them to carry out economic activities such as opening food stalls, farmers markets, car workshops and so on,” it said.

“Security forces have to ensure tight control of inbound and outbound traffic in the green zone, and the health ministry’s requirements and guidelines relating to social interaction, personal hygiene, face mask use and ban on public ceremonies or public gatherings are to be maintained.”

Among the government’s achievements which the council commended were the satisfactory levels of beds and equipment for Covid-19 patients, the 33% recovery rate and the 1.6% death rate for those who had contracted the deadly virus.

The MCO was implemented on March 18 to break the chain of Covid-19 infections and to flatten the epidemic’s curve by reducing social interaction.