THE Penang government is hopeful that every Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPVs) in the state will be able to achieve its maximum capacity daily in order to achieve herd immunity by the end of October.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is possible after Penang have been told that it would receive a total of 703,448 doses of Covid-19 vaccines for the month of July under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
“With this, each PPV will have sufficient capacity to administer the doses of vaccines.
“And hopefully, with enough vaccine supply, each PPV will be able to maximise its capacity to 100% daily.
“This is important for us to achieve 23,000 vaccine doses administered daily in the state.
“If we can achieve that, then I believe that 40% of Penang’s adult population will be able to receive two doses of vaccine (which is equivalent to about 553,000 people) at the end of August or early September. This is one of the conditions to move to Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
“And I also would like to urge Penangites to play their part to come for their vaccine appointment because every dose of vaccine is crucial to achieve our target towards herd immunity,” Chow told reporters during his visit to the Dewan Serbaguna Sungai Bakap in Nibong Tebal that has started its operation as PPV today.
Also present were Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, Sungai Bakap assemblyman Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
According to Chow, there are three PPVs which have started operations today.
“There are Dewan Serbaguna Sungai Bakap, Pusat Konvensyen Perda in Tasek Gelugor and Intel Technology Sdn Bhd (under the Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme – Pikas).
“And another two PPVs under Pikas initiative involving Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd and Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd will be opened soon,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis