Penang covid-19 situation under control, says CM

CORONAVIRUS | Penangites need not panic as the state's situation with regards to Covid-19 is "under control", says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said executive council members were briefed by the Penang Health Department on the latest situation of the Covid-19 outbreak in the state today.

"Penang is under control even though there is now a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the state", said Chow in a statement.

Chow said the Penang government supports all efforts made by the State Health Department in ensuring the safety and health of the people in this state.

"As such, the state government will partner with the state's Health Department in working together on the issue and spread of the outbreak, especially in enhancing proper and legitimate communication channels to prevent panic among the general public, including denying fake news being spread by third parties," Chow added.

Gerakan has criticised the state's "slow approach" concerning the arrival of Covid-19 to Penang.

The party's deputy president Oh Tong Keong expressed regret that Penang authorities have yet to explain the situation to the public.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that there was a case involving an engineer at Motorola Solutions, which is located at Bayan Lepas.

"The people need more information to protect themselves," Oh had said in a statement.

He urged the state Health Department to publish daily updates to ease the people's concern over the matter.

Oh also urged Chow to form a special committee to prevent Covid-19 from spreading and not to solely rely on the Health Ministry (MOH).

Chow said the Penang government also respects and supports the protocols and standard operating procedures practised by the MOH in dealing with the current Covid-19 issues and outbreaks.

"He said it is not necessary for the state government to adopt a new protocol as the current MOH practice is based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization.

Chow said the state Health Department will continue to lead and provide necessary guidance to all agencies on this issue.

" I urge the people of Penang to continue to work together with the state government and the state Health Department in facing and addressing the Covid-19 outbreak in the best interest of all," he said.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office announced 12 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases in Malaysia to 129. - Mkini