Malaysian in New York shares hardship of movement restrictions

RESIDING in New York City with the highest COVID-19 death toll in the United States, has certainly brought alarm bells to a Malaysian, Dr Zatil Aqmar Hashim.

Dr Zatil, 33, who has lived there for the past seven years with her husband, Ikmal Ismail, 49, who works with the United Nations (UN) besides their two children, has undertaken strict precautions.

She said she and her family who resides in Brooklyn would avoid leaving the house and only her husband would go to the stores to buy necessities.

"If forced to go out, we will make sure to wear nose and mouth masks as well as personal protective clothing (PPE)," she said, sharing her experience in the Big Apple with Astro AWANI.

She said although the situation was serious, the movement control in New York was not as strict.

"We have no limit to the number of people who can get out of the house, nor are there any roadblocks. People can still get out but need to comply with social distancing instructions and cannot assemble.

“The offence for gathering can be fined up to US$1,000,” she added.

"Schools, government buildings and supermarkets as well as facilities such as playgrounds and businesses including pubs are also closed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19," she said.

Dr Zatil said since the sanctions had been enforced recently, she could no longer meet Malaysian friends despite living nearby.

She also said she and her husband longed to return to Malaysia but had to cancel their wish after considering travel risks, thus deciding they should just stay in New York for now.

The normally bustling New York City, she added, has now turned into 'zombie land' because people dared not to go out for no reason.

Sharing his feelings, the former doctor at Sungai Buloh and Kluang Hospital said her instincts were to join the Malaysian frontline medical staff.

"If I were in Malaysia, I would probably be one of the frontline workers. Every day I connect with friends to keep up with the latest on COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.

"At first, I was disappointed to not be with them but I realised this was fate. So, I tried my best to help.

"I have collected donations for masks to be sent to the frontliners at Sungai Buloh Hospital. For now, that is all I can do to help as I feel I am still a part of them," she said.

As of Tuesday evening, New York City had more than 10,000 deaths, with Tuesday alone seeing 3,778 cases of COVID-19 deaths.