All Penang districts now Covid-19 red zones

GEORGE TOWN – All five Penang districts are now Covid-19 red zones, following widespread testing among foreign workers and close contacts.

The state breached 4,000 cases yesterday, and now, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has suggested that more low-risk quarantine and treatment centres be set up to accommodate the increase in patients.

According to current health standard operating procedures, when a person tests positive for the coronavirus, they must be taken to a Covid-19 hospital, while low-risk centres are for those who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms.

Chow said the state is looking to set up another low-risk facility at the Pesta site in Sg Nibong on the island.

“We expect to record more Covid-19 cases as screenings continue at factories and construction sites.”

The Health Ministry currently has two such centres on the island, at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang here with 190 beds, and the Balik Pulau sports complex (432 beds). 

“There are complaints about the low-risk Covid-19 centre in Balik Pulau, that it is an incomplete facility, and the atmosphere there is not good. The Penang Health Department has informed that face masks are made available to all patients, along with food three times a day. Therefore, claims that there is not enough food are incorrect.”

He said the low-risk centre at Penang Remand Prison is no longer in operation. 

The facility at Seberang Prai Prison, meanwhile, is not open to the public.

There are two quarantine centres at the Mara Excellence Centre in Seberang Prai Selatan and Pusat Latihan Zakat dan Institut Aminuddin Baki in Pokok Sena. – The Vibes, January 4, 2021