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GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government is considering conducting Covid-19 screening on residents of Taman Pelangi in Juru, where a gathering outside a mosque took place during Hari Raya Aidiladha.
State exco Jagdeep Singh Deo said it is obvious that the Aidiladha prayers violated standard operating procedures, adding that the blame is on migrant workers residing in the area.
“Those asked to self-quarantine need to liaise with the health authorities on whether they should stay confined for seven, 14 or 21 days.”
Jagdeep, who oversees the free mass screening exercise in the state, said 10,000 out of the 40,000 people targeted have been screened, so far, with a positivity rate of only about 5%.
“The state is serious about ensuring 30,000 more people will be tested. We will go to each of the 40 constituencies to conduct the free testing.”
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang has scored a breakthrough in its vaccination drive when it administered 30,000 doses within 24 hours yesterday.
This boosts the optimism that the state can achieve herd immunity by year-end, he added.
He said the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee has notified the state that the landmark figure is in tandem with the high registration rate.
“As of yesterday, some 85% of the 1.7 million people (in the state) have registered to be vaccinated.
“Penang is now in 6th place in terms of the number of people vaccinated (nationwide).”
Chow said 571,164 individuals – 41.8% of the adults in the state, or 32.2% of its population – have received the first dose, as of yesterday.
He added that 240,038 individuals have received both doses, making up 17.6% of adults in the state, or 13.5% of its population.
“We are working hard to ensure Penang can qualify for Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan, where the economy reopens more.”
The state now has 12 public vaccination centres (PPVs), one mega PPV, two higher learning institution PPVs, 10 private hospital PPVs and 58 general practitioners entrusted to conduct the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
On Monday, a non-governmental organisation will operate its PPV in Juru.
There are also nine private-public collaborations under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme PPV centres to help the manufacturing sector vaccinate most of its workers. – The Vibes, July 23, 2021
