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No new Covid-19 cluster in Penang at end of MCO Phase 2

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has not recorded new Covid-19 clusters at the end of the second phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was also informed by the state Health Department that all the frontliners were healthy.

He said he was also told by the state police chief that Penang recorded 97.84 per cent compliance of the MCO at the end of Phase 2, which saw the arrest of some 861 individuals for violating the stay-at-home order.

“I want to thank all frontline workers who have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.

“I hope the people will continue to comply with the MCO, stay at home and restrict unnecessary movement outside,” he said today.

To date, Penang recorded 119 positive Covid-19 cases with one death.

Meanwhile, Chow said he also took note of the Health Ministry’s announcement on the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

In Penang, he said, the state government was committed in ensuring adequate supply of the PPE at all government hospitals and clinics.

“This has been our commitment since the early stages of the MCO. We made sure that our frontline workers are sufficiently equipped with protective gear and have the needed facilities for their own safety.

“Based on this commitment, I often receive updates from the state Health Department on the status of our equipment. I was informed by the department director that the PPE supply in our state remains under control.

“Apart from the state government’s attention towards this matter, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private companies too have been most committed in their contributions. In this regard, the department has formed a state level committee to shortlist the needed equipment and consumables. They are currently preparing the list of the equipment models and their supplier companies to be finalised soon," he added.

As of last Saturday, Chow said the state government had distributed 1.31 million face masks to frontline workers and the needy groups.

He said that in terms of PPE, a total of 30,510 pieces were received by the state government and were channelled to those who needed them.

“The same also goes for the 309,700 pairs of gloves and shoe covers; equipment such as thermometers, hand sanitisers, face shields and so on are supplied from time to time by the state government.

“This is our commitment. We can win this fight together," he added.

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