GEORGE TOWN: As 92 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Penang today, the health ministry opened a 90-bed treatment centre at the Caring Society Complex, near the general hospital, which will cater to low-risk cases.
Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the centre, which can be expanded to 190 beds, was set up by the state health department to meet demands for treatment as community infections rose.
There were 92 new cases today, the state health department reported, and a total of 396 new cases were registered in the past two weeks, with 237 cases active. A total of 1,982 cases have been reported in Penang to date.
Noor Hisham said the new centre started operations on Nov 21, equipped with X-ray and computed radiography systems which would allow early and accurate detection of those at risk of getting Covid-19. He said 98 chest X-rays have been taken so far.
He said the close proximity of the Penang Hospital was also helpful, in case a patient’s care needs stepping up.
Hisham said four assistant medical officers, two medical officers and a visiting infectious disease physician would be on standby there.
He thanked the state government and the Penang Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society, which had donated 100 sets of mattresses and pillows and disaster-related equipment.
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