WORKPLACE clusters, especially from the manufacturing sector, have contributed to about 70% of the total Covid-19 cases in Penang.
State Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said the cases from these clusters were increasing lately during the answer and question session at the State Legislative Assembly sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
She said from the 8,668 cases that were recorded from June 1 to July 14, a total of 6,222 cases were from the manufacturing sector.
“One of the reasons for the spike in cases was due to the placement of foreign workers from more than 10 factories in a settlement area or workers’ dormitories.
“Apart from that, the increase in cases was also due to the number of occupants exceeding the accommodation’s capacity,” Dr Norlela (PH-Penanti) said.
As of Aug 28 this year, she said a total of 246 factories had been ordered to close.
Of this number, 135 factories came from central Seberang Perai, 47 from Southwest district, 29 from south Seberang Perai, 27 from north Seberang Perai and eight from Northeast district.
Dr Norlela added that the cases in Penang increased after the economy and social activities have been allowed under phase two of the National Recovery Programme.
“The spread of infection in the community also causes the infection difficult to control,” she said.
Penang, she said, is expected to see its whole adult population getting its first dose of vaccine by the middle of this month.
“The state is to receive 140,000 Pfizer doses this Friday and almost 200,000 Pfizer doses on Sept 10.
“This will help to accelerate the vaccination effort,” she said.
Story by Edmund Lee