PETALING JAYA: A total of 204 staff members at the IDCC Shah Alam vaccine administration centre (PPV) have tested positive for Covid-19, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       This led to the one-day closure of the PPV on Tuesday (July 13).

       The Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister said the mass screening was carried out on July 10.

       However, Khairy said all those who tested positive for Covid-19 have low infectivity.

       He said their cycle threshold (Ct) values were determined using polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, the most accurate testing method available.

       Ct refers to the number of cycles needed to amplify viral RNA (genetic material) to reach a detectable level, with higher numbers indicating extremely low levels of viral genetic material.

       Speaking at a virtual press conference on Tuesday (July 13), Khairy said mass screening of all personnel at IDCC detected the 204 cases from 453 workers there.

       "The RT-PCR tests of those infected showed that their Ct value is more than 35, which means their viral load is low," said Khairy, who added that about 400 or 88% of the 453 workers at the IDCC PPV have been vaccinated.

       Khairy said he ordered the mass screening of workers at IDCC on July 10 after two volunteers were found to be positive.

       He also said the Fire and Rescue Department would disinfect the entire facility, which will reopen on Wednesday (July 14).

       Those who are scheduled to get their vaccinations at the PPV on Tuesday would have received new appointment dates, Khairy added.

       "We have Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force workers at the IDCC today (July 13) to assist those who came to the PPV and are not aware of the closure," he said, adding that those with appointments from Wednesday onwards should come to the PPV as scheduled.

       "Apply physical distancing at all times. Come to your appointments on time, do not come too early.

       "Also, leave as soon as your vaccination is completed to minimise the exposure time at a public place," he said.

       Khairy said due to quick action, a larger outbreak had been avoided and the PPV could reopen on Wednesday with minimal disruption.

       "This is the first time we had to shut down a PPV because of positive cases. But we acted fast. By shutting down today and taking corrective measures quickly through isolating infected personnel, sanitising the PPV and rescheduling, we hope the disruption is only one day.

       "Hopefully this will not hamper our vaccination programme," said Khairy.

       Khairy said those who had their jabs at the IDCC PPV between July 9 to July 12 to monitor their own health status for 10 days.

       "If you start developing symptoms, you are advised to go for Covid-19 screening.

       "The Covid-19 symptoms are not the same as the side effects you get from vaccinations. The symptoms are like coughing or loss of smell and taste," he said.

       Due to the current high infection numbers in Selangor, Khairy said it is difficult to determine if the workers had been infected at the PPV or elsewhere.

       The IDCC is one of the country's mega vaccination centres and has the capacity to administer about 6,000 doses a day.