GEORGE TOWN – Private hospitals in Penang have started taking in Covid-19 patients to help alleviate the burden of the public healthcare system.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in a statement said state health authorities will continue to engage with the private healthcare sector to assist them.
After attending a National Security Council (NSC) meeting via video conference, Chow said there is a renewed focus on workplace clusters, especially in the manufacturing, construction and services sectors.
He highlighted the need to focus on the sectors’ accommodation facilities and transportation as part of efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
He also reiterated a need for big data analytics to help contain the spread at a locality level, while using the MySejahtera app to promote standard operating procedures and assist the infected.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency has conducted a site visit to the Mara Excellence Centre near Jawi in Seberang Prai to see if it is a suitable location for the state’s third low-risk Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centre.
The other two centres are at the Caring Society Complex in George Town and the Balik Pulau Sports Complex.
In another matter, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said the state-level Lunar New Year open house scheduled on February 13 is cancelled due to the pandemic.
However, he said a virtual celebration will be conducted for nine consecutive days from February 12.
He reminded everyone that NSC has barred open houses this year. – The Vibes, January 25, 2021