GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has set up its first quarantine and treatment centre for low-risk Covid-19 patients from among the public at the Caring Society Complex here, amid the country’s third coronavirus wave.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the centre was opened after a request by the Health Ministry, and it will be handed over to the ministry today.
It will have 100 beds funded by the state government together with civil society group Buddhists Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia.
“Actually, this is the third low-risk quarantine centre in Penang. Similar ones were set up at Penang Remand Prison and Seberang Prai Prison,” Chow told a press conference at Komtar today.
“It is to ease the burden on hospitals faced with an increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Penang.”
The Caring Society Complex is about 500m from Penang Hospital and less than 400m from the governor’s official residence. The building also faces popular recreational spot Padang Polo.
In March, the complex housed homeless folk as part of efforts to ensure compliance with the movement control order and protect the group from being infected with Covid-19.
State environment and charity chairman Phee Boon Poh said the complex also houses several civil groups’ offices.
The organisations have been instructed to move out.
This is to ensure the safety of all parties, said Phee.
"For example, the Welfare Department has moved to Komtar.” – The Vibes, November 18, 2020
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