ABSTRACT
The Malaysian government implemented The Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18 March 2020 to control the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the third wave that started in September 2020 during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) phase saw a continuous increase in the number of cases. In this study, the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) was used to analyse the existence of COVID-19 spatial clusters. Moran's index was used to map the spatial autocorrelation (cluster) to showcase the spreading patterns of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The study results indicated significant changes in the COVID-19 hotspots over time. At the beginning of 2020, the state of Selangor and Sarawak were the first locality to become a significant COVID-19 hotspot. Furthermore, this research showed all affected areas during the study period. Overall, a non-random distribution of COVID-19 occurrences was detected, thus suggesting a positive spatial autocorrelation. Many parties are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those involved in healthcare provision, financial assistance allocation, and law enforcement. Other sectors such as the economy, education, and religion are also affected. Therefore, the findings from this study will provide useful information to all the related governmental and private agencies, as well as policymakers and researchers. © 2021 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Starting 2020, the whole world faced covid-19 pandemic that was spreading across countries including Malaysia. Because of this pandemic, Malaysia government take immediate action to declare Movement Control order (MCO). This MCO gave seriously impact to almost sectors in Malaysia including economic, social and also education sector. We believed that, the students' performance become decrease during MCO. Although classes were continued online, teaching and learning activities are believed less effective than face-to-face classes. This study was conducted to measure the secondary school students' performance during MCO for Mathematics subject. There were 2 set of mathematics score data before and during MCO considered in this study. The independent T-test was conducted to test is there any significant difference of performance between gender for both data sets. Meanwhile, the paired T-test was conducted to evaluate the significant different of student performance before and during MCO. It was found that, there was significant different of students' performance before and during MCO which, the performance during MCO become declined. One of the possible factor that was gave significant effect to the student' performance was lack of effectiveness teaching and learning activities using online platform. So, for future research, a study should be done in order to indicate the significant factor that give effect to students' performance ifteaching and learning activities carried out online. © 2021 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012 was accompanied by uncertainty about its epidemiological and clinical characteristics. Once camelus dromedarius was found to be the natural reservoir of the virus public health systems across the Arabian Peninsula came under unprecedented pressure to control its transmission. This study describes how a One Health approach was used in Qatar to manage the MERS-CoV outbreak between 2012 and 2017. Method(s): The One Health approach adopted brought together professionals working in the health, animal welfare, and environmental sectors. To manage the MERS outbreak the Qatar National Outbreak Control Taskforce (OCT) was reactivated in November 2012 and experts from the animal health sector were invited to join. Later, technical expertise was requested from the WHO, FAO, CDC, Erasmus University (EMC), and Public Health England (PHE). A One Health roadmap was subsequently delivered addressing surveillance and investigation, epidemiological studies and increased local diagnostic capacity. Result(s): The joint OCT, once trained, was allocated resources and had access to high risk areas to gather evidence on the potential source of the virus and investigate all cases within 24-48 hours of reporting. Lack of sufficient technical guidance on veterinary surveillance and poor risk perception among vulnerable populations constituted major obstacles to maintaining systematic One Health performance. Conclusion(s): A One Health approach is essential for generating evidence and implementing control measures to restrain MERS-CoV and other zoonotic diseases.