JOHOR BAHRU, 5 April 2020:
Ikea Tebrau’s food for takeaway service will be temporarily closed until further notice after one of its workers tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement on its website, Ikea Tebrau said it had been informed of the diagnosis on April 1 and was therefore working closely with public health officials.
The statement said it would undertake thorough cleaning and sanitisation of its common areas and facilities in accordance with guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
“We urge everyone to take their own precautionary measures as well to be protected from Covid-19,” it said, adding that the service will resume once they receive clearance from the authorities.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today there is no indication that the Covid-19 virus could be spread through food.
“We have not heard of the virus spreading through food, but most importantly if one of the workers is tested positive, we have to screen the close contacts in the restaurant.”
On whether wearing face masks is a requirement in public places, Dr Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry is awaiting guidelines from the World Health Organisation.
“Nonetheless we had advised all health workers as well frontliners such as the police to wear the face mask, that is our recommendation.
“For (the) public, if you have symptoms, put on the mask. If you are exposing yourself to the public, perhaps you should wear the mask.”
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said going out for the sake of buying your favourite food is such a lame excuse and for this stern action can be taken.
He urged the public to remain at home and comply with the Movement Control Order (MCO) as this was imposed by the government in efforts to contain Covid-19.
“Bear in mind that anyone could be infected by the Covid-19 virus regardless of their skin colour, race, religion or status.”
Abdul Hamid said cooperation from all quarters was crucial to ensure full compliance of the MCO so the Covid-19 infection chain could be broken.
“Now is the time for all the people to ‘sacrifice’ by refraining themselves from leaving their home as they could be at risk of infecting the virus…just be patient…once the situation improves, we might see less rigid restrictions.”
On the possibility of MCO extension, Abdul Hamid said it would all depend on public compliance with it. “The current data shows positive signs that we can contain the spread of the infection.”
Abdul Hamid also said the police were facing a more challenging task now as they had to deal with an “unseen threat”. “We are not fighting with a visible enemy…we don’t know because (the virus) is everywhere and very dangerous.”
– Bernama