PENANG expects the Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to be rolled out in a ‘short time from now’, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said priority for the booster shot, or third jab, would be first administered to medical frontliners, after which, to those with comorbidities and then the senior citizens.
“The state government had discussed this booster shot issue and we’ve to wait for the decision (from the Health Ministry). The details, like where the vaccination will take place, will be announced later.
“For those in the medical field, they will get vaccinated at their medical facilities.
“Some states have already started administering the booster shot. In fact, several people in Penang have already taken their booster shot and I believe they belong to a special group of frontliners,” Chow said in response to a reporter’s question after officiating the opening of the Taman Areca in Lebuh Sungai Pinang today.
Asked about the low vaccination rate of 27.3% for students from tahfiz, religious and Islamic school students in Penang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who was standing beside Chow, responded by saying that their parents have been urged to allow their children to be vaccinated.
“The schools will get in touch with the students’ parents. This is a voluntary programme,” said Ahmad Zakiyuddin, who is also in charge of the state Islamic affairs.
On a separate matter, Chow said as Penang and a few other states move into Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) from tomorrow, most economic sectors could now operate at 80% capacity.
“There is not much difference between Phase Two and Phase Three of the NRP, except that more sectors can now operate at 80% capacity in Phase Three.
“The SOPs (standard operating procedures) remain the same and they are simplified into 10 rules to make them clearer for all to abide,” Chow added.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis