GEORGE TOWN – The only thing that appears to be keeping Penang from moving into Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) is the state’s high usage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds for Covid-19 cases.
Penang has been in Phase 2 of the NRP since July 7.
The state has fulfilled the rest of the conditions including achieving 66.8% of its adult population being fully vaccinated and the number of daily new cases, which has fallen below 2,000.
However, the utilisation of ICU beds is still high at 94.1%.
Updates on whether Penang will move to Phase 3 will only be known later today, after the National Security Council meeting.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that Penang will add up to 20 more ICU beds for Covid-19 cases soon, even though there has been a downward trend of Covid-19 cases in the state.
He said the state Health Department has shared data showing a decrease in cases but the state government, along with the Health Ministry, will continue to prepare for any eventuality.
“In the medium to long term, another four to six ICU beds will be added at Penang General Hospital soon based on a needs basis,” he said in a statement today.
State health exco, Dr Norlela Ariffin disclosed that calls to the Covid-19 Emergency Careline is on a downward trend from three weeks ago, dropping from 36 calls on September 16 to three calls as of yesterday.
Penang recorded 623 fresh cases and one death yesterday. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
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