He said that with different states recording different levels of infections, hospitalisation and vaccination rates, states that had shown improvement in terms of numbers should be allowed to enter the second phase of recovery.

Chow said the easing of lockdowns, however, should be dependent on strict adherence to physical distancing and the continued enforcement of pandemic SOPs.

He said the state executive council had agreed unanimously on this and had proposed to the National Security Council (MKN) that this was the right step.

Chow also announced free Covid-19 tests at 19 hotspots, starting with the Sungai Pinang, Padang Kota, Dato Keramat and Pulau Tikus state constituencies under the Penang Saring Covid-19 programme from July 5.

He said this was part of the state’s larger 3T strategy—mass testing, tracing and treatment. A total of 40,000 free tests will be given by the state in the current phase with information to be made available at their respective assemblyman’s offices.

Chow said 591,532 doses of vaccines will arrive in Penang in July, spread out over the four weeks. Under the programme, the state plans for at least 10% of the population to receive two doses, with priority to those above 60 with underlying health conditions, followed by those aged 60 and below.

Penang recorded 1,898 cases in the past two weeks (June 16-29), with 997 active cases as of yesterday, bringing the total number of infections to 34,364, according to state health department data. There have been 120 deaths recorded to date.