HAVING awareness and proper knowledge of where to turn to after finding out that the individual is positive for Covid-19 is crucial in curbing the pandemic, says state executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng.
She said at this time, knowledge is power as having the right information would help all of us to triumph over the Covid- 19 crisis.
“The Penang Lawan Covid-19 facebook page was initiated by the state government to disseminate information pertaining to the pandemic.
“It is important for everyone to keep themselves updated with the current situation from pages such as this to avoid from panicking if they are tested positive for Covid-19.
“Just recently the poster ‘Jangan Panik’ (Don’t Panic) containing the hotline as well as careline for Covid-19 patients was posted on the Chief Minister’s facebook page,’’ said Chong Eng during a special meet up with the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) held via Zoom on Sept 9.
She added that the state Health, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin has formed a squad to assist the operation of Penang Covid-19 Unified Command Centre (PUCC).
“For instance, when a Covid-19 patient calls the 999, the call will be forwarded to the call centre which YB Norlela is in charge.
“The volunteers will arrange for an ambulance in the event of emergency.
“If there is a need for the patients to be sent to the Covid-19 quarantine and low-risk treatment centres (PKRCs), then the team will do the necessary arrangements,” Chong Eng said.
Also present during the meeting were northeast district health officer Datin Dr Azizah Ab Manan, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng and Sneham Malaysia president Datuk Dr Florence Sinniah.
Meanwhile, Dr Azizah welcomed the suggestion made by Chong Eng of utilising the manpower of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Penang to assist the state Health Department in handling the calls at the Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC)
“It is a good idea. Perhaps, we can train the volunteers from the NGOs to attend to the individuals who are in the low-risk group with the follow-ups.
“They can help us to ask questions to check on the high-risk factors that these groups might show. It will be really of great help for our team at the CAC.
“For those high-risk patients, I feel it is better for the medical team to do the observation,’’ added Dr Azizah.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting