GEORGE TOWN: Another market has been ordered to close after Covid-19 cases were detected among traders and workers.
The Farlim market and food complex in Bandar Baru Air Itam have been instructed to close after 18 people were found to have contracted the virus.
According to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the closure, with immediate effect, is to facilitate sanitisation works and prevent further spread of the virus.
“The closure involves 159 stalls inside the market and 22 stalls in the food complex.
“We want to draw attention to the market closure and advise all to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) to stem the spread of Covid-19, especially in the community,” it said.
The latest closure came about a week after the Batu Lanchang market was ordered to be closed again after several traders and workers were infected with Covid-19.
MBPP also advised market associations and food complexes to implement proper crowd control at all times.
It said high-risk individuals, indicated in the MySejahtera application, would not be allowed into the markets and food complexes.
“Stern action, including closure of premises, will be taken against those who fail to adhere to the SOPs,” it added.
Several markets statewide have been ordered to close following positive Covid-19 cases involving traders.
Among them was the Padang Tembak market which was ordered to close yesterday after Covid-19 cases were reported among traders there.
Others include the Seberang Jaya Market, the Mak Mandin market, Pulau Mutiara wholesale market, Chai Leng Park market, Jalan Perak market and Bukit Mertajam market.
Penang has been reporting consistent four-digit daily Covid-19 positive cases in recent weeks.-NST