GEORGE TOWN – Penang is seeing a climb in Covid-19 cases in the community, after several fresh infections have been linked to the popular Pulau Tikus wet market here today.
Known as the “rich wives’ market”, it is located in an affluent neighbourhood and has not been spared the virus, with the state Health Department confirming that infections have been transmitted at its premises.
This comes after a WhatsApp message goes viral, warning patrons to not visit the market. However, many have also dismissed it as a rumour.
Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee said the wet market has been sanitised as a precaution.
Areas within and around the market, where many hawker stalls are set up, have also been sanitised by seven volunteers from the Mount Erskine voluntary fire and rescue team.
However, no directive has been given to vendors to close.
Just yesterday, a local bank put up a notice stating that it will be closed until further notice. It did not state the reason behind the abrupt closure, but it is likely due to the coronavirus.
Penang’s fight against Covid-19 has been met with complications, as it consistently reports three-digit cases daily.
Since not everyone who contracts the virus develops a fever, it does not matter if a person checks his or her temperature before entering a location. Asymptomatic cases do not show symptoms.
Active clusters in the state are still focused on industrial worker circles, namely the Medan Bayan Lepas, Teknologi Bukit Minyak, Lintang Bayan Lepas, DTI Juri and Persiaran Cassia Selatan clusters.
Penang has recorded 93 fresh infections today, involving 66 citizens. It has logged a total of 17,011 cases since the pandemic began early last year. – The Vibes, April 7, 2021
