THE Penang government is adopting the 3T (testing, tracing, treatment) strategy to curb the spread of the Covid-19 infection.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 3T strategy, under the Penang Covid-19 Screening (PSC-19) programme, is crucial for Penang to flatten the infection curve.
The first phase of the PSC-19 was launch at the City Stadium today.
“The Covid-19 mass screening is an effort by the Penang government for the benefit of the people. Meanwhile, the nationwide vaccination programme is still ongoing.
“Our aim is to help the healthcare sector detect new Covid-19 cases in Penang. We also want to assist the country to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
“We understand that the results can be obtained within two hours. The health authorities will contact the respective individuals, whose test results came back positive, for further action,” Chow told a press conference after his visit to the City Stadium today.
Some 1,000 individuals from six constituencies (Padang Kota, Pengkalan Kota, Datuk Keramat, Sungai Pinang, Batu Lancang and Pulau Tikus) were expected to be screened today.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, told a press conference recently that each of the 40 constituencies had been allocated 1,000 slots for the programme.
“As of today, 8,000 individuals from various constituencies have registered for the programme. This is a good start.
“This is an effort by the state government for the people in Penang. The Covid-19 vaccination programme is ongoing, and it is also good to have other initiatives to prevent further spread of the infection.
“We hope the programme will run smoothly and everyone will be assisted accordingly,” Jagdeep said.
After today, the programme will be held on July 10 and 11 on the mainland, specifically involving constituencies such as Prai, Seberang Jaya, Permatang Pasir and Penanti on July 10; and Sungai Dua and Permatang Berangan on July 11.
Venues for the programme will be announced by Jagdeep in the nearest future.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Chan Kok Kuan