Ninety percent of eateries, like restaurants and coffee shops in Chai Leng Park, Perai, have on their own accord decided to close for a week to help check the spread of Covid-19 infections, says Penang Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Phee said this measure was voluntarily taken after a cluster, known as Lebuh Kurau Tiga Cluster, was discovered there recently.
As at 12 noon yesterday, it was reported that the Covid-19 cluster had recorded 111 positive cases.
Meanwhile, a total of 151 hawkers and close contacts in Chai Leng Park, Perai, underwent free Covid-19 screenings today, bringing the total to 345 people tested in two days. No positive cases were recorded today, but there were three positive cases yesterday.
Phee said with the tests conducted by Tzu Chi International Medical Association (Tima) at the Chai Leng Park multipurpose hall, the situation is now under better control.
“All the people related to the food supply chain in Chai Leng Park were told to come for the free tests.
“This is for their own good as well as for the safety of their family and community. We do not want to inconvenience them but to help them.
“Those who did not turn up and were not screened would not be allowed to operate their business by the local council.
“For the three positive cases detected, they will be referred to the Health Ministry for further tests and action. They have to wear pink wristband and will be quarantined ,” Phee told Buletin Mutiara today.
Deputy Chief Minister Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also the Prai assemblyman, visited the multipurpose hall yesterday.
Phee said the Sungai Puyu Volunteer Fire Brigade was collaborating with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to help in sanitising marketplaces in Bagan Ajam and Bukit Mertajam every alternate day.
To appreciate the efforts of the medical frontliners, he said they are sending vegetarian food packages to them at six public hospitals in the state.
He also expressed his gratitude to volunteers, private companies, the public, government agencies and organisations like Tzu Chi, One Hope Charity & Welfare, and Ji Shan for their contribution in the fight against Covid-19.
“They are all doing this out of love. Love can help them climb mountains,” Phee said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and courtesy of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia