Three Penang old folks’ homes closed, 36 cases found

 

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said the three homes were operated by the same company. (Facebook pic)

GEORGE TOWN: Three old folks’ homes here, which house more than 200 residents, have been ordered to close after Covid-19 infections were reported among staff members and residents.

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said based on information received, infections were reported at the home on Katz Street after an employer tested positive.

The three homes, at Katz Street, Seang Tek Road and Cecil Street are operated by the same company and management. “The employees work in all three centres in shifts. All staff and residents have undergone screening,” he said.

The three centres, which are not registered with the social welfare department, have more than 200 residents.

State director of health, Dr Asmayani Khalib, said 70 staff and residents at the Katz Street home had undergone screening with 36 of them testing positive.

“The health ministry has identified it as the Lebuh Katz cluster involving high-risk groups. The situation is under control and those tested positive are receiving treatment,” she said. - FMT