GEORGE TOWN – After three days of high fever, a pastor here has tested positive for Covid-19.
An announcement on the matter has been made to church members, and a source told The Vibes that those who were in close contact with the pastor, including his colleagues, have voluntarily undergone coronavirus screenings at private clinics.
Four church members have tested positive so far.
The pastor has been asked by the Health Ministry to observe quarantine at home as there are currently no available hospital beds.
Some church members, who immediately called clinics to make appointments for testing, were rejected as they did not exhibit symptoms.
The church has been sanitised, and the pastor has released a video on the church’s website, telling members that Covid-19 seems to “pick its prey” as many who worked closely with him did not contract the virus.
He is also unsure how he got infected.
Speedboats lack Covid-19 precautions
Meanwhile, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has highlighted the lack of precautionary measures against the coronavirus aboard the new speedboats replacing the ferry service between the island and mainland.
“Inside the speedboats, passengers have to sit close to one another in an enclosed and air-conditioned environment,” said CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader.
Such an environment makes it easier for airborne diseases, including Covid-19, to spread, compared with the conditions on the ferries, which are well-ventilated and have social-distancing markers.
“The speedboat is not meant for bigger-sized people, because the seats are about 40cm wide. It is also not meant for the physically challenged because of the numerous obstacles along the way and the long distance to walk to the point of embarking or exiting the terminal after disembarking the speedboat,” said Mohideen.
CAP said the shuttle bus that takes passengers to the Weld Quay bus station, too, does not adhere to health and safety standard operating procedures.
“The shuttle bus is often packed with passengers, who have to wait inside for some time before it moves, as the bus follows a schedule. This further increases passengers’ risk of infection.
“This is shocking and totally unacceptable, in light of the massive spike in Covid-19 cases in the community that the country is now experiencing amid the more dangerous third wave.”
Notices on Covid-19 have been put up at offices, food stalls and residential buildings across the state, with a chicken-rice stall at Golden Triangle in Bayan Baru and the Penhill Perdana Condominium in Air Itam being the latest to shut due to the virus.
Today, Penang reported 112 fresh Covid-19 cases, taking its total to 5,057.
The Symphony Magazine cluster was detected two days ago, involving the Northeast and North Seberang Prai districts. So far, 116 individuals in this cluster have been screened, with 44 testing positive. – The Vibes, January 11, 2021
