KUALA LUMPUR: An old folks' home in Ipoh, Perak has been placed under lockdown after 13 people, including seven senior citizens, tested positive for Covid-19.
Others who tested positive at the Anning Old Folks' Home include six staff members.
The matter was confirmed by Anning Old Folks' Home chairman Marcus How Kok Peng.
"As part of the exercise to prevent the spread of the virus at old folks' homes around the state, representatives from the state Health Department came to conduct screening on all of 36 senior citizens and 24 staff at our centre on Sunday (Jan 10).
"Four days later, we were informed that 13 people at the centre tested positive for the coronavirus.
"They were immediately isolated and admitted to hospitals in Ipoh and Batu Gajah for treatment," he said when contacted today.
How said this was the second time the Health Department had conducted Covid-19 screening, the last being a few months ago.
"Of course, I am shocked over this development as we have been strictly adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). We have also barred visitors from entering since the first phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in March last year.
"Having that said, this is a blessing in disguise since it would help to curb the spread of Covid-19 at the centre and protect other senior citizens and staff from being exposed to the virus," he said.
He also hoped that all volunteers and donors would continue supporting the centre, which runs on donations from the public and government grants.
Similar to other non-governmental organisations, he said the centre is also affected by the adverse economic impact brought about by the global pandemic.
"Operating costs are very high and with the uncertainties arising from the pandemic, we hope the public will continue to lend their support to us," he said, adding that the public who wished to support the centre can visit their Facebook page or contact the old folks' home.