Mass COVID-19 Testing for Penang Manufacturers Starts Next Week

In Penang, mass Covid-19 testing for manufacturers using the on-site pooled saliva RT-PCR testing method will begin next week. 

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the state government would implement the mass screening under the 'Penang S.A.F.E' programme. The programme is a collaborative effort between the Federation of Manufacturers Malaysia's (FMM) Penang branch. 

The minister said that the health department (JKNPP) had approved the mass screening, and this would improve the screening rate among Penang manufacturers. 

He said the RT-PCT method utilising Deep Throat Saliva (DTS) was approved at the federal level.

 

Penang S.A.F.E programme

In a statement, Chow said that the Penang S.A.F.E programme generally prepares a full flow to implement continuous mass screening. He added that the mass screening is relatively cost-efficient, so small and medium industries (SMI) and small and medium enterprises (SME) can also participate in the programme. 

Penang FMM chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong said that Penang is the first state to implement this programme which includes the complete process of registration, screening, sample collection, and results in 24 hours.

He added that this programme is in collaboration with JKNPP to notify them of positive cases for further action. 

Penang S.A.F.E programme is open to the industries sector in Penang.

These are the specific targets of Penang S.A.F.E:

1. Providing gold-standard screening for Covid-19 infection using RT-PCR tests.

2. Providing for workplace screening with rapid result reporting within 24 hours.

3. Providing for screening at an affordable cost of RM60 per pax.

4. Collaborating with and reducing workload burden of existing healthcare providers. 

5. Encouraging regular periodical surveillance of the whole workforce. 

 

Penang S.A.F.E programme outline

1. This programme is open to the industries sector in Penang, who plan to screen their workers for COVID-19 at the workplace, based on voluntary enrolment.

2. Screening shall be made via a scheduled collection of individual saliva samples done in groups at the workplace.

3. Workers will be equipped with video instruction on collecting the required amount of saliva samples properly and will again be instructed verbally on performing the self-sampling.

4. Saliva samples will be placed in ice-boxes. The samples will be collected from the site within an hour of the end of the session and sent to the lab for testing.

5. The saliva samples will undergo pooled saliva testing, and the results are expected within 24 hours.

6. Results, specifically if positive, shall be communicated directly and immediately to the person in charge of the business for any isolation measures and decontamination procedures to be carried out.

7. Notification of all results will be performed via SIMKA, e-Notifikasi and fax to health authorities.

8. Companies will be provided with information and guidance on engaging with the health authorities to facilitate any further actions considered necessary.

 

You can find more information regarding the programme at www.penangsafe.com or email info@penangsafe.com.

 

Source: Malay Mail

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