PETALING JAYA: Swift action was taken immediately after seven workers at the Setia City Convention Centre vaccine dispensing centre (PPV) in Shah Alam tested positive for Covid-19 on July 11, says the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF).

       All close contacts were identified and told to get tested and isolate themselves immediately while awaiting the results.

       “All the 11 close contacts tested negative,” CITF said in a statement on Monday (July 19).

       As information on positive cases is private and confidential, CITF said only certain medical officers had access to it.

       “At the same time, the convention centre did not prohibit any other workers from getting tested,” it said.

       CITF noted that the convention centre management immediately sanitised the affected areas in the PPV.

       It said all PPVs nationwide, including the one in question, have been complying with a set of standard operating procedures that include physical distancing, checks on staff and volunteers for symptoms, compulsory wearing of face masks and encouragement to wear face shields while on duty.

       “All PPVs under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme are required to follow the recent indoor ventilation and air quality guidelines to reduce the risk of airborne transmission,” it added.

       On allegations that there were Covid-19 patients at the convention centre, CITF said all those who had passed the quarantine period were allowed to receive the vaccine, upon providing proof in the form of a home release order issued by the district health office.

       “This is stated in the clinical guidelines for Covid-19 vaccination.

       “We will ensure that all PPVs comply with the guidelines and implement proper SOP practices to ensure that there is no risk of transmission in any PPV, at a time when the infection is sporadic and spreading in the community,” it added.