GEORGE TOWN – Despite administering more than one million first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, cases continue to climb in Penang.
Due to this, the state of 1.7 million people is now in a predicament, following the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme that started in March.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s elation when announcing that Penang has administered the first dose to 1.1073 million residents was short-lived, as the Health Ministry revealed that the state recorded 798 new Covid-19 cases today.
However, Penang is not the only state struggling with high Covid-19 cases, as neighbour Kedah has also registered four-figure daily cases over the past 10 days.
Chow in a statement today said more vaccination centres (PPV) will be opened in Penang, with the latest being Vangohh Eminent Hotel & Spa on the mainland, which can dispense up to 2,000 shots a day from August 9.
This new facility is one of many in Seberang Prai, with others being the SPICE Arena, Seberang Jaya expo site and One Hope Charity site.
So far, 45% of the state’s population have received the first dose, while 17.7% have received both doses.
“Penang will receive more vaccines soon, so it can qualify for Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan, where more economic sectors can open,” said Chow, who hopes 100% of the state’s adult population will be immunised by next month. – The Vibes, August 3, 2021
