GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has assured the situation in Penang is under control despite the state reporting its first positive case of Covid-19.
According to him, all state executive councillors had been briefed by the Health Department director on the latest situation of the outbreak in the state.
"The state government will support all efforts taken by the department, especially in ensuring the people’s safety and health," he said today.
“We will jointly tackle the Covid-19 outbreak issue together, particularly in the dissemination of official and correct information to avoid panic among the people.”
On that note, Chow added the state would not tolerate the dissemination of fake news by irresponsible parties.
At the same time, he said the state government also respected and supported the protocol and standard operating procedures (SOP) practised by the Health Ministry in overcoming the outbreak.
"There is no need for us to come up with another new protocol since what is being practised by the ministry is in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
"The department will continue to lead and provide the necessary guidelines to all agencies with regards to Covid-19.
"In this respect, I urge and hope all people in Penang to continue joining hands with the state government and the department in facing this outbreak for the good of all," he added.
The New Straits Times reported yesterday that Penang recorded its first Covid-19 case, when an employee of American data communications and telecommunications equipment provider Motorola Solutions tested positive for the virus.
It was learnt that the employee had returned to work in the state with flu-like symptoms, after visiting Kuala Lumpur over a week ago.
Motorola Solutions director of communications (Asia Pacific and International Commercial Markets) Damien Batey had confirmed the news in an email to the NST, saying that it was working closely with the ministry and following their guidelines to minimise the risk of further exposure.
All Motorola Solutions' staff in Penang would work from home for the next two weeks and all necessary actions were being taken for them to return after that time. Additionally, all its facilities were sanitised.