204 Workers Test Positive For Covid-19 At IDCC PPV In Shah Alam

204 workers at IDCC PPV test positive for Covid-19

Earlier today, 13th July 2021, the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) released a press statement notifying the public that Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) vaccination centre in Shah Alam will be temporarily closed for a day. The closure is to facilitate sanitisation works and keep the public safe after confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported among staff there.

In an update, a total of 204 workers at the PPV, including frontliner and volunteer workers, have tested positive for Covid-19. As such, individuals who visited the PPV for their vaccination appointments from 9th July to 12th July are advised to monitor themselves and get tested for Covid-19 if symptoms arise.

Mass screening carried out on PPV workers

In a press conference this morning, 13th July, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin revealed that 204 workers at IDCC tested positive for Covid-19.

Mass testing was conducted on all 453 IDCC PPV workers on 10th July after 2 volunteers there tested positive for the virus. According to a report from the New Straits Times, 400 individuals among them have been vaccinated.

However, it was not stated how many were fully vaccinated, and how many had just received their first vaccine dose.

Image credit: @aafaizli

Fortunately, test results from affected workers show that they had their cycle threshold (Ct) counts were more than 35, based off RT-PCR tests – which means that the likelihood of them spreading the virus to other individuals is low, according to World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines.

However, due to the high infection rate in Klang Valley, Khairy also said that it is hard to determine if the outbreak happened within IDCC or elsewhere.

Image credit: @kuhadzrill

As a safety measure, those who attended their vaccination appointments at IDCC PPV from 9th July, 4PM onwards till 12th July are advised to monitor themselves for Covid-19 symptoms for 10 days. If symptoms do show up, individuals are urged to get tested for Covid-19.

In a previous press statement released by CITF on Facebook, those vaccinated between 29th June and 12th July were advised to monitor their own symptoms, and get tested for Covid-19 if symptoms arise.

Sanitisation at IDCC PPV for reopening on 14th July

Sanitisation works are being carried out today by the Fire and Rescue Department at IDCC to ensure that the PPV can resume operations safely tomorrow, 14th July.

In the same press conference, Khairy said that this is the first Covid-19 outbreak at a PPV that led to a temporary closure. But he also ensured that action has been taken in a timely manner to contain further infections – including quick closure of the PPV and changing workers there, without holding up vaccinations in the country.

Image adapted from: JKJAV

According to a tweet by JKJAV’s official Twitter, Khairy also called upon the public to continue turning up for their appointments at IDCC once the PPV reopens. While there, individuals should continue to practise physical distancing, show up for appointments on time, and leave as soon as they received their vaccine jabs to reduce crowding at the PPV.

Those whose appointments at IDCC PPV have been affected will likewise receive new appointment dates, and notification of this update via MySejahtera and SMS.

If anyone affected have further questions, they are advised to reach out to CITF at 03-8893 4303.

Over 200 workers at IDCC PPV test positive for Covid-19

The cause for concern for Covid-19 is still not yet over in the country, with cases still surpassing the 8,000 mark in recent days.

With the vaccination rollout currently underway, we are all advised to keep adhering to safety measures so we can stay safe while out for vaccinations and essential trips at this time.