IN view of the spike in new Covid-19 cases in Penang, the Penang government has distributed 50,000 Covid-19 self-test kits to the state constituency service centres in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the self-test kits had been distributed to the respective service centres on Feb 21.
“The service centres will then distribute them to the needy community.
“We are doing this for the second time. We did this once in September last year when a total of 40,000 Covid-19 self-test kits were distributed to the needy in Penang.
Separately, Chow said the Penang government has received a report from the Penang State Secretary, who was awaiting the latest instruction on the operations of public services in the state.
“Covid-19 has impacted many government departments and agencies in the state. Many civil servants have either been infected or became close contacts to Covid-19 patients.
“These have, in turn, impacted the quality of public service in Penang. We are waiting for further instructions with regard to the public service in Penang.
“The instructions will include operation hours, number of counters allowed to operate, among others,” he told a media conference in Komtar today.
Chow added that there were no huge state events at the moment.
“Although we have the press conference today, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being enforced and followed.
“At times, like today, attendees are required to conduct a self-test prior to attending the event.
“We will continue to monitor the situation.
“We understand that any decision made will impact the economy. We are always cautious with our approach,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad