Malaysia

Bring press conferences online for now, Penang health exco urges 

Dr Norlela Ariffin’s statement comes after six journalists tested positive for Covid-19

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 26 Feb 2022 5:33PM

Bring press conferences online for now, Penang health exco urges 
Although the latest standard operating procedure for Covid-19 close contacts has been updated, Penang health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin still believes that online press conferences are the best bet for now, for the sake of the safety of journalists who normally have to attend many events in one day. – File pic, February 26, 2022

GEORGE TOWN – Penang health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin has advised public press conferences to go online for now after six journalists in Penang were infected with Covid-19 in the past week.

Several journalists who tested negative for the virus had their immediate family members come down with Covid-19.

Speaking to The Vibes, she said that although the latest standard operating procedure for Covid-19 close contacts has been updated, she still believes that online press conferences are the best bet for now, for the sake of the safety of journalists who normally have to attend many events in one day.

In a recent Covid-19 test, Dr Norlela’s husband and son have also tested positive for Covid-19.

Though Dr Norlela and her daughter tested negative, as a close contact, she has been instructed by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah to remain in Selangor and to only travel back to Penang on March 1.

Due to the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, Dr Norlela is reiterating her call for everyone to not put off their booster appointments and to get a third dose as soon as possible. 

As of February 25, Penang has 204,614 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with a total of 18 deaths in the past two weeks. 

This is a 100% increase in death rate compared to the fortnight before this.

There are 29 active clusters up until today. Of the total, 19 are from educational institutions, four from the manufacturing sector, three from detention centres, two from the workplace, and one among the high-risk group. – The Vibes, February 26, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 2d

Penang’s Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass nearing completion

Events / 5d

Jokowi to deliver keynote address at Peace Dialogue in Penang

Community / 5d

Penang authorities seal transit home units, occupants appeal for leniency

Malaysia / 5d

Penang secures more than RM17b investments for first half of 2026

Heritage / 6d

Penang first state to recognise Hungry Ghost Festival, cemeteries as heritage

Malaysia / 1w

Collision between tanker and ferry under investigation - PPC

Spotlight

Opinion

“I’m not a war criminal, I’m a patriot”: Shavendra Silva’s amnesia tour meets the receipts

By Abbi Kanthasamy

Malaysia

British management on trial – does a royal management institute deliver value?

Malaysia

Doctor among five killed in Sarawak Flying Doctor helicopter crash identified

Malaysia

Nearly 10,000 potential fire hotspots detected on RSPO-managed land

Malaysia

Undang Yang Empat produce letter allegedly confirming Tuanku Muhriz’s removal

Malaysia

Northern Malaysia must prepare for the consequences of lower rainfall

Malaysia

Helicopter crashes during flying doctor service mission in Sarawak

You may be interested

Malaysia

Anwar: Tun Razak’s ‘Three Cs’ warning still relevant today

Malaysia

Super El Niño could drive Malaysia temperatures to 40°c in 2027

Malaysia

Clearer timelines and updates on investigations needed, says maritime expert

Malaysia

Zelensky says Russia ready to negotiate after US peace push

Malaysia

US funds RM1.1m restoration of Tugu Negara ahead of 70th independence anniversary

Malaysia

Jakarta airport reopens as Anak Krakatau ash disruption eases

Malaysia

Malaysia faces 9GW gas power gap as data centres drive electricity demand

Malaysia

Jeddah-bound Malaysia Airlines diverted to Chennai following technical snag