KEPALA BATAS: Pusat Jagaan Darul Hanan in Pongsu Seribu here has reported eight positive Covid-19 cases involving its residents.
The first active case was a 69-year-old woman.
Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) chairman Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said after the first active case was reported, they screened all close contacts and detected another seven others who tested positive for the corononavirus.
"The 69-year-old woman has been admitted into the centre on Oct 12. A Covid-19 test was conducted on her, which came back positive. We subsequently screened all close contact and another seven were tested positive," he said, adding all eight were being treated at the Penang Hospital.
Zakiyuddin also said the cause of the infection was being investigated.
"Since then, we have screened all residents and staff at the centre, and still awaiting further results.
"The first screening has been completed. We are carrying out a subsequent screening for confirmation," he added.
There are currently 79 residents at the centre with 33 staff. All residents and staff have been placed under quarantine.
Following the Covid-19 cases at the centre, Zakiyuddin said they had heightened security to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.
![NSTP/DANIAL SAAD](https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/Pusat_Jagaan_Darul_Hanan2_1603181237.jpg)
"All that needed to be done have been done. We also have ample supply of basic necessities," he added.
State Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin confirmed that the Covid-19 cases at Darul Hanan was linked to the Alma cluster.
The cluster has logged a total of 17 cases until yesterday.
Checks by the New Straits Times at the centre this morning showed health workers entering the facility, believed to conduct swab tests.
Police also cordoned off the road leading into the main entrance of the facility.
Darul Hanan can accommodate a maximum of 200 senior citizens. At present, there are only 79 residents there.
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 there are living quarters, a library, a cafeteria, a surau, a ward, a multipurpose hall and a workshop.