KEPALA BATAS: Pusat Jagaan Darul Hanan in Pongsu Seribu here has taken immediate measures to isolate and quarantine all its residents and staff members, identified as close contacts of a number of senior citizens believed to have tested positive for Covid-19.
However, its chairman, Datuk Jahara Hamid, declined to comment on the inmates' Covid-19 status, as she does not yet have the full details of the situation.
"We, at Darul Hanan, have taken immediate steps and always abide by the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Health Ministry. At present, there are some 70 inmates there.
"As to the inmates contracting Covid-19, I can't comment further... wait for the Health Ministry (to make an announcement)," she said.
Asked if the close contacts will undergo screening, she said that it is likely, but declined to divulge details.
State Health Department director, Dr Asmayani Khalid, said that the public should wait for Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah's press statement this afternoon for more information on the situation.
It is learnt that a senior citizen, who was admitted to Pusat Jagaan Darul Hanan about a week ago, tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
It is also learnt that screening carried out on close contacts at the centre saw another seven senior citizens testing positive.
Meanwhile, a check at the centre showed that police are starting to take charge of the premises.
Health workers were also seen entering the facility, believed to conduct swab tests.
Darul Hanan can accommodate a maximum of 200 senior citizens. At present, there are only 70 inmates there, comprising 50 women and 20 men.
Darul Hanan, the construction of which was funded by Yayasan Bukhary, is situated on a piece of Penang Islamic Religious Council land, measuring 3.2ha, which serves as a centre to house Muslim senior citizens.
Among the facilities available are living quarters, a library, a cafeteria, a surau, a ward, a multipurpose hall and a workshop.