Penang tightens measures in fight against Covid-19

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has further tightened measures in an effort to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said roadblocks would be set up at various locations in the state and public transport services would be scaled down.

He said these were over and above the measures already put in place under the movement control order (MCO) imposed by the federal government.

There are nine new roadblocks, most of them on or near the links between the island and the mainland.

The Rapid Penang bus service will reduce trips by 70%. Commuters can download the new schedules from the Rapid Penang Journey Planner app on their smartphones.

The buses will only run from 7am to 7pm while these restrictions are in place.

The operating hours of the cross-channel ferry service would also be shortened, Chow said at a media briefing done via his Facebook account yesterday.

Chow advised the people to cut down on their outdoor activities to protect themselves. “Stay at home and use delivery services to get your daily necessities,” he said.

The operating hours for wet markets will also be restricted while roadside hawker stalls are now banned.

He said the wet markets would be disinfected daily.

Chow said he had also met officers from the enforcement division of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry during which he provided a list of items that the state had to procure to help in the fight against Covid-19. They included hand sanitisers and medical essentials.

Meanwhile the Pantai Hospital in Bayan Baru launched its drive-thru test for Covid-19. Ten individuals were the first to get the test.

A hospital spokesman said the tests would be available on Mondays and Thursdays.