The outbreak of COVID-19 has killed many people around the world. As of March, 20, over 10,000 deaths have been reported worldwide as a result of the COVID-19. According to statistics on CoronaTracker, Italy has recorded the highest number of deaths due to the outbreak and other countries are expected to follow this trend if they are not able to curb with COVID-19 cases. Currently, Italy has declared a nationwide emergency.

 A statement shared on Facebook by a man called Mohd Firdaus Mat Saad described 6 phases that occurred before the European country has declared a lockdown. Even more distressing is that the phases listed appear to have something in common with what is happening in Malaysia.

Despite the fact that the Malaysian government has implemented the Movement Control Order, there are still people eating in groups at the eateries in the morning and the elderly people exercise aerobics at Bukit Kiara. Many young people from Kuala Lumpur went back to their hometowns to visit their beloved parents. If Malaysians do not take precautionary measures, we will face an emergency similar to what is happening in Italy.

Read to the end because you will understand what the Italians have gone through and what Malaysians will be through if the situation does not change.

Phase 1

Many people are beginning to know and hear about COVID-19 but they don't think it's important because it happens overseas.

The first case of COVID-19 in Malaysia was detected on January 25, 2020.

At this time, the authorities said the situation is still under control and they advised the people not to panic.

The number of confirmed cases and deaths were increasing overseas, especially in China.

But, for economic reasons, the Malaysian government at that time did not reject to accept tourists coming from China.

It was the same situation that Italy faced in the early stages.

Phase 2

More and more tourists who have been infected with COVID-19 from their home countries came to Malaysia. Their symptoms were only detected while traveling. 

There are also Malaysians who came back from the overseas carried the virus to Malaysia unknowingly. Within a short time, the disease began to infect the local people. 

The government began to track those who had been in contact with the infected patient. Those with contacts are asked to make an inspection. The authorities began directing the self-quarantine against those who were in close contact with the patient.

Companies that have infected staff were asked to close the building and do the disinfecting work.

More and more tourists from China coming to the country are infected. The government decided not to accept airplanes from Wuhan and the severely affected China's cities. From the economic aspect, tourists from other parts of China can still come to Malaysia.

At that period, life goes on as usual. This phase was experienced by both Italy and Malaysia.

Phase 3

Hospitals are increasingly filled with infected patients. COVID-19 examination had to be done on thousands of suspects. Many health officials are becoming tired of having to work longer hours and treating patients with uncomfortable safety clothing.

The country began to have death cases.

To that end, the Italian government has announced the closure of schools, communities, and workplaces in four major cities. At that time, restaurants are still open as usual. At the time of the declaration of movement restriction control in the city, nearly 10,000 Italians in the infected area had 'returned' to their hometowns to meet their families in the less affected cities. This is a big mistake made by the Italians. 

The situation in Italy is the same as in Malaysia.

On March, 16, the Malaysian government decided to implement movement restriction order for 14 days which is effective from March 18 to March 31, 2020. The aim is to ensure that people stay indoors and reduce the meeting with others. All mosques and prayer rooms and houses of worship were closed during this period. However, we repeated the mistakes made by Italy. Many people in Kuala Lumpur returned to their hometowns for a "get away" with their family. There are also many students who made their way back to the hometowns after receiving instructions to vacate the hostel. 

Malaysia is currently in this phase. About 2 weeks ago, Italy was in this phase.

Phase 4

At this stage, Italy had thousands of cases every day. Things were getting out of control. All schools and universities across Italy have been shut down.

There were not enough doctors and nurses. Retired doctor, as well as the final year medical and nursing students, were requested to assist.

They work regardless of shifts. Some people work more than 24 hours because of a shortage of staff and an increasing number of patients.

Some of them wore pampers in their clothes. They didn't have time to go to the toilet because every time they opened the security suit, they were exposed to a virus.

Phase 5

Remember the 10,000 Italians who 'returned' to their homes for a family vacation. After 10 days in their hometown, the COVID-19 virus spread throughout Italy. Their parents, friends and those who had contact with them became infected with the COVID-19 virus. The case escalated again suddenly. There are already doctors and nurses infected with this virus but they had to take care of patients. The number of chronic patients, especially the elderly needs breathing aids but the number of oxygen tanks is not enough. The doctor had to decide who to save and who to die. Priority is given to those who have higher chances to recover. Those who are seriously ill would be left to die.

At this stage, the problem in Italy is still not resolved. In Malaysia, if those who returned to their hometowns spread the COVID-19 virus, the effects would be felt on April 1.

Phase 6

The rise in new cases across the country has increased dramatically. In the last 3 days, the number of new cases exceeds 3000 cases per day.

Finally, on March 12, the Italian government ordered a total lockdown of its country.

Any person leaving the house needs a certificate and a reasonable purpose, such as go out for food or to hospital.

Whoever came out of the house without a reasonable purpose would be fined  Euro 206.

The impact of the total lockdown of the country will only be visible after 14 days.

The daily increase in the number of confirmed cases is the result of Italians who did not seriously follow the rules of their government.

Can Malaysians learn from Italy so that we won't repeat their mistake and to save ourselves and the nation before it's too late?