GEORGE TOWN: About two out of three positive Covid-19 cases in Penang were detected using the rapid antigen testing method (RTK-Antigen).

       State Health director Datuk Dr Asmayani Khalib said 1,257 out of the 1,867 cases reported were detected with the RTK-Ag testing method.

       "We can obtain faster results using RTK-Ag compared to the RT-PCR test and can provide patients with the quarantine wristbands and isolate them faster," said Dr Asmayani after visiting the Caring Society Complex on Wednesday (Aug 18).

       "We were approached by the Penang Health Department two weeks ago for the state to use the RTK-Ag test results as confirmed cases, which we agreed," she said.

       Dr Asmayani added that most of the Covid-19 cases in Penang were from factory clusters.

       Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin.