GEORGE TOWN: Five new vaccination centres (PPV) to cater to children with comorbidities and those in the high-risk group are expected to begin operations in five districts in Penang over the next few days, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

       The five are: the Sungai Nibong pesta site in the north-east district, which is expected to begin operations on Saturday (Feb 12); while the Sunshine supermarket hall in Bayan Baru (south-west district), Sunshine Bertam shopping centre (North Seberang Prai), Seberang Jaya expo site (Central Seberang Prai) and Dewan MPKK Bandar Cassia (South Seberang Prai) are expected to start on Monday (Feb 14).

       "We urge parents of children aged five and above to speed up registration for Covid-19 vaccination through the National Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids).

       "The people should also take their booster doses as well for personal protection," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 10), addressing the rise in Covid-19 cases.

       Chow said as of noon on Wednesday (Feb 9), the state recorded 21 active clusters, 10 of which were education clusters, five in workplaces, four involving the manufacturing sector, one from a high-risk group and one at a detention centre.

       Penang recorded a total of 1,010 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the cumulative number to 173,120 cases with 1,784 deaths.

       After a briefing by state health authorities, Chow said the Penang government was ready to face the Omicron wave and rising number of infections.

       "We were told that the Omicron wave is already spreading within the community.

       "As of now, all the cases reported involved those in Categories 1 and 2.

       "Hospital admission is under control although there is an increase in admissions at the low-risk Covid-19 treatment centre at the Mara Excellence Centre in Jawi.

       "The number is still manageable. We will continue to monitor the situation," he added.

       Chow also said it was also decided that private treatment centres would be set up in hotels to cater to increases in Covid-19 cases.

       The state Health Department's Covid-19 Assessment Centre call centre hotline at 04-3827 143 / 04-3827 142 will continue to operate from 8am to 5pm daily.