Malaysia

Suspected Covid-19 cluster in Kepala Batas

A nursing centre for the elderly under the management of the Penang Islamic Religious Council is said to have more than five Covid-19 cases

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 19 Oct 2020 3:37PM

Suspected Covid-19 cluster in Kepala Batas
A nursing home in Kepala Batas is believed to have recorded more than five Covid-19 cases as of today. – The Vibes pic, October 19, 2020

by Sofia Nasir

KEPALA BATAS – A nursing home under the management of Penang Islamic Religious Council is believed to be the latest Covid-19 cluster in the state, amid its growing prison clusters.

It is understood that the care centre for the elderly has more than five Covid-19 cases as of today, involving its residents.

Sources said an elderly woman, who had been placed in the centre last week, was yesterday confirmed to have Covid-19.

“Screening tests on her close contacts also found that other senior residents here tested positive.”

Meanwhile, a visit to the home found that the police have blocked the access road into the home.

Health Ministry staffers were also seen entering the care centre to conduct testing on staffers and about 70 residents here.

Many of the residents here have underlying conditions, such as diabetes 

This marks the first Covid-19 cluster here since the pandemic started this year.

Penang Health Services Department director Dr Asmayani Khalid today declined to comment, saying the press should wait for a statement from the ministry’s director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah later today.

As of yesterday, Penang recorded 636 Covid-19 cases in two main clusters – remand prison and Seberang Prai prison in Jawi. 

Penang lost its green zone status a month ago. – The Vibes, October 19, 2020

Related News

Malaysia / 17h

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)

Malaysia / 3d

One killed as fire destroys former Odeon cinema in Penang

Off beat / 4d

Penang: CM orders all state excos to monitor development progress

Events / 1w

Penang to host 2026 South East Asian Pipe Band Championships for third time

Events / 1w

PCEB inks MoU with EON Bhd for sustainable mobility solutions

Malaysia / 1w

Penang: Upgrading of bypass delayed due to financial setback

Spotlight

Malaysia

Former head of a ministry's corporate communications unit acquitted of bribery charge

Malaysia

Two sisters die trapped in Johor house fire as escape routes cut off by flames

Malaysia

NS election speculation intensifies as Aminuddin granted audience with state ruler

Malaysia

Teenager who drove recklessly, causing death remanded for further investigation

Malaysia

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)

Malaysia

Family of five killed as car crashes into water pipe in Serian

Malaysia

'I was once spat on by a pakcik' — Marina denies fear of contesting Malay-majority seats

Malaysia

Jewellery shop among six premises destroyed in fire (video)

You may be interested

Malaysia

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)

Malaysia

PH Negeri Sembilan emergency meeting discusses PRN preparations

Malaysia

Sarawak seeks China collaboration to fix growing doctor shortage

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Two killed in three-vehicle crash involving cars and bus in Baling

Malaysia

Simpang Renggam crash: Grieving father demands action after watching viral video

Malaysia

No early Penang polls as state prioritises voters’ mandate over electoral synchronisation

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Woman killed, seven injured after four-wheel drive plunges into ravine in Keningau

Malaysia

Fadillah warns of finite fossil fuels, global volatility and rising demand