BUKIT MERTAJAM – Exemplifying how serious and widespread the Covid-19 scourge may be across the country, an exercise to test for the virus at a discounted rate here recently found that 12 out of 100 participants tested positive.
The affected individuals, who underwent antigen rapid test kit (RTK-Ag) testing, have been referred to the Health Ministry for confirmation of the results.
Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Kai Loon said MoH would be conducting its own polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to determine and confirm the infection.
“We have submitted the details of the findings to the ministry,” he said in an interview with The Vibes.
“We have received information that two out of the 12 names we submitted were found to be negative. We are waiting for the results of the remaining 10 people who tested positive last Wednesday.
“There was overwhelming support for the event as people kept coming even after we reached the limit. However, we limited the number of people as we had only 100 kits to conduct the tests,” he said.
He said this when asked about the exercise conducted at the Kg Baru hawker centre in Permatang Tinggi here on May 12. The event was jointly organised by Lee and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong for residents in the area.
Lee said that they would conduct the second round of RTK-Ag testing at the same place between 9am and noon on May 17.
“It aims to screen single mothers, food riders, and stall owners. We charge RM10 and RM30 for voters and residents in the constituency,” he said, adding that the normal charge for the test is between RM120 and RM200 at private clinics.
The PCR test is used to diagnose people who are currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, which is the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
The test is the gold standard for diagnosing Covid-19 because it is the most accurate and reliable test around.
“Our aim is to help the government to break the pandemic chain, as early detection will help the infected undergo early treatment and prevent the disease from spreading to family members and the neighbourhood,” Lee said.
“We are aware the public is scared as they fear the infected will be taken away by ministry officials and quarantined for two weeks.
“However, they also know that early detection gives an advantage for early treatment and hope of fast recovery.”
He urged the people in the constituency to register online for early arrangements. – The Vibes, May 14,2021.
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