GEORGE TOWN: The state government through the Penang Health Department (JKNPP) plans to have more facilities to administer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose in efforts to provide better access for people in the state.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said JKNPP was in the midst of identifying Health Care Organisations (HCOs) that could assist to provide suitable halls for the purpose.

"As of yesterday, 73 private facilities (clinics and hospitals) as well as an HCO with a capacity of over 1,000 shots a day have been operating as booster dose facilities in the state.

"At the same time we need to create more awareness on the need to get the booster dose as only 60 to 70 per cent of people who have been given the appointment through the MySejahtera application turned up for the shot," he said in a statement today.

In terms of medical facilities for COVID-19 acute cases, he said as of yesterday, 34 per cent of the beds at Penang Hospital (HPP) and Kepala Batas Hospital were occupied.

"Meanwhile, bed occupancy rate in the intensive care unit (ICU) for COVID-19 patients in the state is at 53 per cent and we are always on standby to face any eventuality," he added.

As for the COVID-19 Low Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC), bed occupancy rate at Mara Centre of Excellence (MEC), Jawi (South Seberang Perai district) is at 17 per cent while the Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang PKRC here has been put on standy and would be activated when needed.

On Oct 18 Penang began administering COVID-19 booster shots to frontliners and this would later be extended to the elderly and those with comorbidities.

-- BERNAMA