GEORGE TOWN – Penang is in need of more Covid-19 vaccine to ensure all of its vaccination centres (PPVs) are operating at full capacity, said Jagdeep Singh Deo.
The state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman said Penang has the highest number of PPVs, with additional facilities ready to assist.
“The issue is not why should we screen when we can vaccinate, but why can we not vaccinate (more). Therefore, we have to screen.”
So far, 1,110,141 individuals (81.2%) have registered for vaccination in the state, of which 395,269 (22.29%) have received their first dose.
Penang’s 16 PPVs have the capacity to administer 30,000 doses a day, but their current vaccination rate combined is only between 5,000 and 10,000 doses a day.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin last month said Penang will be getting double the number of Covid-19 vaccine compared with June.
Jagdeep said the ongoing free screening organised by the state government is going well, with 2,161 preregistrations, not inclusive of walk-ins.
They are conducted at Penang City Stadium from July 5 to 9, Kompleks Sukan & Rekreasi Sony in Seberang Jaya on July 10, and Dewan Besar Sg Dua on July 11.
So far, 1,695 individuals have been screened at the three locations, and 35 found positive.
Of the 35, nine were detected at the north-east district, 14 at Seberang Prai Tengah, and 12 at Seberang Prai Utara.
The screening location will move to the Macallum neighborhood park on July 15, Penang Island City Council car park and complex in Bayan Lepas on July 16, SK Padang Tembak on July 17, and Dewan MPKK Sg Dua in Batu Uban on July 18.
Jagdeep said the programme will continue to make its rounds again until it completes 40,000 tests.
Residents and individuals who wish to undergo testing can register via the Penang Saring portal, or via their respective rep service centre or coordinator. – The Vibes, July 12, 2021
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