Penang to increase measures following Omicron spike: health exco

GEORGE TOWN – The staggering hike to 1,023 fresh Covid-19 cases in Penang yesterday was not surprising as it was expected in view of the Covid-19 infectivity rate (R-nought, or R0) over the past few days, said the state health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin.

“I believe cases will continue to rise but the situation this time is not as alarming as what it was during the third quarter of last year when there were very high cases with the intensive care unit (ICU) running on maximum capacity.

“I will be meeting Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today to discuss implementing the next steps to keep those in Penang safe,” she told The Vibes.

Though the cases are high and ICU occupancy is at 50%, she said that there is no cause for worry because the number of ICU beds for Covid-19 has reduced significantly and there are only four beds occupied at present.

Instead, she has been raising alarms to the state government and Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on the possible mutation of Omicron and Delta variants that may result in a deadlier strain.

Despite the rise in cases involving the Omicron variant, Norlela reminded that Delta variant cases in Penang remain high.

She also plans to advocate the issue of promoting safe vaccination measures and addressing vaccine side effects instead of pursuing to get everyone inoculated as fast as possible.

“I will request for a call centre to be set up just like what we had in August and September last year, when our Covid-19 cases were very high.

“This call centre will also focus on calls regarding side effects from the vaccine. I want all parents to report if their children experience any side effects within two weeks after getting vaccinated.

“By having this call centre, we are able to collect data and determine how vaccines work on different people since we do not have any data at a national level,” she said.

Two days ago, Penang initiated its National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children at Penang Hospital and Seberang Jaya Hospital for those aged five to 11.

All parents are advised to ensure their vaccinated children do not go under the hot sun, perform rigorous sports, or carry heavy school bags. – The Vibes, February 9, 2022