People infected at PPVs can sue for negligence, say lawyers

 

People waiting to be vaccinated at the Ideal Convention Centre PPV in Shah Alam, where 204 workers were infected earlier this month. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Those infected with Covid-19 at vaccination centres can sue the government for negligence, according to several lawyers.

They told FMT this was because the government had a duty to protect them.

Lawyer M Manoharan said people were going to vaccination centres with high hopes of being protected against the virus. “They are supposed to be protected, but that may not be happening.”

He asked if enforcement officers stationed at vaccination centres were monitoring all personnel against possible breaches of the SOPs.

“Is there physical distancing? Are all staff and volunteers tested? Are they fully vaccinated? What is the screening process for all frontliners, personnel and volunteers?”

Manoharan was commenting on a July 13 report that 204 people working at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam had been infected and another report that seven workers at the Setia City Convention Centre vaccination centre, also in Shah Alam, were tested positive on July 11.

The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) has said all close contacts were immediately asked to get tested and isolate themselves while awaiting test results.

Manoharan said the elderly and the sick especially needed to be protected as they were in the high-risk category.

He said he took his parents for vaccination at IDCC on July 1 and was shocked to see the place crowded with people walking about everywhere.

Lawyer Rafique Rashid said the government had a “duty of care” and could be held liable. He said a police report could be lodged.

Another lawyer, G Manivannan, said: “The government asks the public to be vaccinated. But the government has to make sure that due diligence is done and all measures are carried out to stop the spread of the virus at the vaccination centres.” - FMT