TANGKAK – A semiconductor manufacturing factory here is struggling with a Covid-19 outbreak, after recording 462 cases and 13 deaths, so far.
Johor health exco Vidyananthan Ramanadhan in a statement said the factory is the site of the Persiaran Agas cluster, which was first reported on July 9.
All 13 victims had comorbidities and received treatment late, with an average of four days between the onsets of symptoms and being treated, he added.
Vidyananthan said the index case was detected on July 2, but continued working until June 28, despite showing symptoms on June 24.
The factory employs 4,057 workers – mostly locals from Muar and Tangkak, and Jasin in Melaka.
A total of 2,501 individuals have been screened, while 1,495 close contacts instructed to observe home quarantine for 21 days – longer than usual due to the number of deaths.
The authorities also suspect that the cluster has cases with variants of concern.
A total of 2,643 employees at the factory have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while authorities are working to vaccinate their respective family members.
A part of the plant was closed for sanitisation on July 3, and it was ordered to shut between July 14 and 20, before reopening on July 21. – The Vibes, July 29, 2021
