GEORGE TOWN – Penang continues to be besieged by Covid-19, with the Delta variant remaining the dominant strain among the new cases in the state.
The state recorded a total of 1,566 new cases today, sending its cumulative total since the pandemic began in early 2020 to 179,017 cases.
Of these, 544 were of the Delta variant, 37 of the more infectious Omicron variant, and ten of the Beta variant.
There are currently eight patients in intensive care units. There was no loss of life recorded today.
The death count thus presently stands at 1,775.
State exco for health Dr Norlela Ariffin, who shared this data, urged residents to take necessary precautions and not give up the fight against the pandemic.
Although 91% of the 7,647 active cases are listed in Categories One and Two, Dr Norlela said that it is important to contain the virus’ spread.
Nine clusters contributed a high number of cases.
The district with the highest number of cases is Balik Pulau with 2,025, Bukit Mertajam with 1,933 cases, followed by George Town with 1,768, Kepala Batas with 1,760 and Nibong Tebal 1,095.
Dr Norlela said that there are now 25 active clusters with the majority coming from the education sector (14), manufacturing (5), workplaces (4), high risk groups (1) and the detention centre (1).
One new cluster is at SM Islam Tahfiz Sains and Teknologi in Kepala Batas.
Dr Norlela admitted that there are concerns about the education sector, which had reopened last month. Hence, she will be liaising with the affected schools soon on how best to contain the outbreak there.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) confirmed that it has 36 new cases today.
Some of its sections have been closed, with some staff ordered to work from home.
Altogether, MBPP has had 460 cases since Covid-19 began, said Penang’s Lord Mayor and council president Datuk Yew Tung Seang. – The Vibes, February 13, 2022
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