In Penang, there are now 4,263 HFMD cases.
According to health executive councillor Norlela Ariffin, Penang has 4,263 instances of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of epidemiological week 23.
In comparison to last year, the number of cases in the state has increased 32 times. In addition, the number of cases is 1.5 times higher than it was before Covid-19 in 2019. So far, 118 clusters have been identified, making Penang the state with the fourth-highest number of HFMD clusters. As of June 11, the state had ordered the closure of 120 businesses. There were 49 nurseries, 38 kindergartens, 17 pre-schools, and 16 daycare centres and schools among them.
Only two establishments remain closed as of today, since the other 118 have been allowed to reopen. Any establishment with more than two HFMD instances would be compelled to close for six days. The facility will be closed for only six days due to the virus’s incubation period of three to five days.
The closure period was originally set at ten days, however it has now been reduced to prevent parents from sending their children to other centres who may be infected with HFMD. All children assigned to nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, and childcare centres in Penang were also expected to be examined for symptoms like fever, blisters on their hands, ulcers inside their mouths, and a runny nose.
All of these centres have also been instructed to do frequent disinfection exercises, ensuring that soap is accessible for children to wash their hands in the restrooms, and separate children who are exhibiting symptoms. The state health service has also urged that places hosting children’s events, such as colouring contests, postpone them for now.
