ALOR STAR – A construction site cluster in Kuala Muda has been pinned as the reason behind a climb in Covid-19 cases in Kedah, as it makes up a quarter of recent infections in the state.
Kedah recorded more than 1,000 coronavirus cases a day for three consecutive days.
State Health director Dr Othman Warijo said the Dah Tapak Bina Pauh cluster in Pendang saw locals and non-citizens infected, with a mass screening underway after the detection of the index case.
“It is believed that they did not follow the standard operating procedures at work, and it (the virus) quickly spread as the workers converse, dine and live together.
“The workers’ dormitory and Pendang Hospital construction site will be under an enforced movement control order from today until August 8.”
As for other cases, he said the majority are either isolated or come from other construction sites, with the most reported in Kuala Muda.
“For now, there are no reports of Covid-19 infections stemming from Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations. It is still too early (to tell), but we hope that there is none in Kedah.”
Dr Othman said as of today, the majority of Covid-19 cases in the state are in Categories 1 and 2, with a few in Categories 3, 4 and 5.
“Therefore, we can still manage in terms of intensive care unit (capacity).”
The two main hospitals in Kedah are Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here and Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sg Petani.
Additionally, Othman said there are still no reports of Covid-19 infections stemming from Hari Raya Aidiladha.
“It is still too early, but we hope that there are cases stemming following Hari Raya Aidiladha in Kedah,” he said.
To control the present surge, Kedah health exco Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman expressed hopes that the National Security Council would lock down the locations containing such clusters.
“All these areas should be placed under EMCO. This should be followed by integrated screening between factories, construction sites to isolate negative cases.
“Intensify vaccination so that they get immunity quickly,” the doctor said.
“We initiated the Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme in Kulim and Kuala Muda with the aid of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
“We have also provided outreach to villages in Baling and Padang Terap, as well as conducted vaccinations at mosques in collaboration with the Zakat Department and the Village Development and Security Committee to help those who have registered under the My Sejahtera app get vaccinated.
“There are efforts being made by the state government to help supply food to the areas under EMCO as well,” he added. – The Vibes, July 29, 2021
