GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is closely monitoring the current Covid-19 cases in the state and any decisions on changes to operations in the state government departments and agencies will be made accordingly.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said further instruction from the State Secretary was required on the matter.
He said staff from several state government departments and agencies had been infected by Covid-19 and operations had been interrupted as a result.
"This has affected the delivery services of the state government departments and agencies. As such, we will await for further instructions if there is a need for changes in operation hours for counter services and such," he said at his office in Komtar today.
He was asked if the state government would cancel any of the official events, similar to what has been done by the Perak government, following a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Elaborating, Chow said there was hardly any official events in such big scale.
"Even if there are any events (of similar scale), strict standard operating procedures (SOP) will be put in place.
"Sometimes, people are required to undergo RTK test before taking part in any event," he said.
At today's press conference at his office, members of the media were earlier required to be tested.
Meanwhile, Chow said other factors needed to be considered before the state could call off any event.
"It (events cancellation) may affect business opportunities and other things. We are always cautious in our approach in this matter. It is better for us to take time before deciding on anything and not make any hasty decision," he added.
On Tuesday, Penang recorded 2,601 Covid-19 cases, the highest ever recorded since the pandemic in March 2020.