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Non-conformity to social distancing rules give rise to various COVID-19 clusters in Malaysia
* 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 2 , 2 , * 1, 2, 3
1  School of Health Sciences, Health Campus Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
2  Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
3  Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nashan, Queensland, 4111, Australia

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 gap from other people, 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 strict restrictions to leave and enter the country. Here, we provide several clusters of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia that emerged due to non-conformity to social distancing. Our report is thus providing informed decision to 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
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