GEORGE TOWN – Despite taking precautions and observing standard operating procedures, a 64-year-old woman found herself down with Covid-19 after going out for groceries and breakfast.
Ooi Keng Ming, 39, told The Vibes that his mother was infected with Covid-19 even though she hardly goes out, other than to the wet market in Tg Tokong.
“She does not go anywhere else, and not regularly as well. But when she started getting body aches, fever, and a bad headache, she took a PCR test.
“Although she tested positive, she could not be admitted into Penang General Hospital because her condition was not serious enough. She was told to quarantine at home.
“But when she started having a bad cough, we sought medical help and got her admitted to a private hospital.”
She was admitted on September 8 and her tests showed that she had dengue and Covid-19. With medical intervention, her condition improved and she was sent home four days after.
Ooi said it has been a very scary experience for his mother and family.
He added that his mother completed her vaccination in July.
Meanwhile, the Farlim market complex is expected to close after the detection of nine cases among its traders following a mass screening yesterday.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin has urged the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and district health office to close the market to avoid community infection and the emergence of new clusters.
“The details of the positive cases have been submitted to MBPP and Northeast district health office. Rapid responses are needed from the authorities in this matter.”
He said that RTK-Ag swab tests were conducted on more than 200 hawkers and traders as a precautionary measure, after five cases were reported within the same vicinity the previous week.
“The Farlim market complex is frequented by many local communities. The safety and hygiene of the operators must be taken care of to avoid community cases.”
More than 20 out of 28 markets in Penang have been ordered to close periodically since the pandemic began. Just last week, four wet markets on the island and two markets on the mainland were closed due to Covid-19 cases. – The Vibes, September 10, 2021
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