The transition phase from pandemic to endemic as what has been previously planned is unfortunately delayed due to the growing spread of the Omicron variant across the world. 

As announced by the Chairman of the Covid-19 Quartet Ministerial Meeting, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, the decision had to be taken as Omicron has been recorded to be spreading rapidly worldwide and poses a higher risk of being spread more easily, compared to the other variants.

He also added that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently close monitoring, including re-tightening border controls. "All members of the Quartet meeting have been briefed by the Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin on the immediate action and approach of the MOH. Although no cases of this variant have been reported in Malaysia, the MOH has implemented preliminary action to prevent this variant from spreading in the country as announced by the ministry on 27th November."

"The MOH is also seeking more detailed information on the variant. In the meantime, the government will proceed to impose stricter international border controls on countries currently facing the spread of the Omicron variant," he added in a statement.

Dear COVID-19, aren't you tired?!

Sincerely, the entire human population.