Malaysia

Suspected Covid-19 cluster in Kepala Batas

A nursing centre for the elderly under the management of the Penang Islamic Religious Council is said to have more than five Covid-19 cases

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 19 Oct 2020 3:37PM

Suspected Covid-19 cluster in Kepala Batas
A nursing home in Kepala Batas is believed to have recorded more than five Covid-19 cases as of today. – The Vibes pic, October 19, 2020

by Sofia Nasir

KEPALA BATAS – A nursing home under the management of Penang Islamic Religious Council is believed to be the latest Covid-19 cluster in the state, amid its growing prison clusters.

It is understood that the care centre for the elderly has more than five Covid-19 cases as of today, involving its residents.

Sources said an elderly woman, who had been placed in the centre last week, was yesterday confirmed to have Covid-19.

“Screening tests on her close contacts also found that other senior residents here tested positive.”

Meanwhile, a visit to the home found that the police have blocked the access road into the home.

Health Ministry staffers were also seen entering the care centre to conduct testing on staffers and about 70 residents here.

Many of the residents here have underlying conditions, such as diabetes 

This marks the first Covid-19 cluster here since the pandemic started this year.

Penang Health Services Department director Dr Asmayani Khalid today declined to comment, saying the press should wait for a statement from the ministry’s director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah later today.

As of yesterday, Penang recorded 636 Covid-19 cases in two main clusters – remand prison and Seberang Prai prison in Jawi. 

Penang lost its green zone status a month ago. – The Vibes, October 19, 2020

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