GEORGE TOWN – In light of the rising Covid-19 cases in Penang, the state is looking to get as many people tested by allocating 500 sets of Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag) to all assemblyman and MPs in the state.
“These kits will be distributed to them as soon as possible, and the purchase of the kits will cost about RM400,000,” Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said during the state assembly sitting today.
While Penang welcomes the announcement earlier today by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) and Health Ministry (MoH) to cap the price of Covid-19 self-test kits at RM19.90, Chow said the price can still go down as there will be bulk purchases.
The KPDNHEP had, in announcing the ceiling retail price, also said the wholesale price is capped at RM16 per kit.
Chow said the state has spent about RM180 million since the outbreak to address the Covid-19 situation.
The expenditure, he said, was to meet medical equipment requirements in hospitals throughout the state, in addition to larger provisions, such as the Pakej Bantuan Rakyat and Penang Saring Covid-19 (PSC-19).
Meanwhile, he confirmed there were eight deaths related among the 32 Delta variant cases detected in Penang, as recently announced by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah two days ago.
“These 32 cases are not new, but it happened a few weeks ago. However, when the Penang Health Department (JKNPP) sent the case samples from epi week 27, that is July 4 to 10, to epi week 33, that is August 15 to 21, the results only came out on August 31.
“We waited more than one month for the result, and finally, it was confirmed as Delta. All these cases have caused eight deaths, but the other 24 have completed their treatment, recovered and have been discharged,” he said.
“From the 32 infected with the Delta variant, 27 patients did not receive any vaccine injections. Five received their first dose, and there were no reported cases of those who have completed their vaccinations,” he said.
Chow also said that all of Penang’s adult population will be vaccinated with at least the first dose in the coming 10 to 14 days.
However, he said that, though the numbers will show that 100% have received their first dose, it is just an approximation based on the census taken 10 years ago.
“We will have to open for walk-ins or dispatch mobile vaccination centres so those who have not registered via MySejahtera will also be given a chance to be vaccinated.” – The Vibes, September 2, 2021
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