I refer to the Malaysiakini letter What’s next on Covid-19?

Between the economy and the resurgence of Covid-19, the writer would prefer that the authorities take control of coronavirus pandemic first.

Which is why the health director-general's much-talked-about tweet, "How about all stay at home for a while again?" should be seriously considered.

Even if he was thinking out aloud, many would agree with him. Many who are taking it a little easier because our Covid-19 figures have been low compared to some other countries may not. So too the many industries and business groups.

But "stay at home" should be the new normal. Leaving one's home should be the exception and only if permitted until the war against Covid-19 is won.

The new normal should also be the closure of premises unless otherwise permitted.

Every owner or occupier of premises must ensure that the premises are closed to entry by any individual unless the activities at the premises are no longer prohibited. 

The term "premises" should include any place, building or part of a building, whether open or enclosed, and whether public or private.

Thus, work from home should be another new normal, unless work is permitted at the premises.

I'm thinking out aloud for new regulations.

The regulations on the movement control order (MCO), control MCO and recovery MCO have largely remained the same since the first of its kind, the first MCO.

A new set of regulations can be more elaborate and specific so that the essence of the regulations, which is prevention and control of an infectious disease, can translate into the new normals for the remaining effective period of the current regulations - the recovery MCO - which is until Dec 31.

The regulations in the UK and Singapore offer a model on which our regulations can take their form and structure.

Yes, we can learn from others. Let’s have the humility to do so.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.