KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will extend its lockdown for another two weeks but let selected industries reopen in stages.
Nonessential businesses and schools have been shuttered for a month until April 14 but Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced Friday the restricted movement order will be extended until April 28.
Even though the country has reported a reduction in cases in recent days, he said it was premature to lift the control measures as “the war on COVID-19 is not yet over.”
Malaysia reported 118 new infections on Friday, bringing its total to 4,346, the highest in Southeast Asia.
Muhyiddin said selected economic sectors can reopen in phases but must follow strict hygiene guidelines and movement restrictions.
He warned the lockdown could stretch up to a few months for the government to be entirely sure that the chain of transmission has been broken.
(With inputs from agencies)
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