Hotel Equatorial Penang Reopens as a Major Vaccination Centre in Penang

24th Jun, 2021
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After its closure announcement in March, Penang’s largest convention hotel, the Hotel Equatorial Penang (HEP) reopens on Monday, 28 June 2021 as one of the biggest Covid-19 Vaccine Administration Centre or PPV in the state.

The hotel is expected to be administering approximately 1,600 doses of vaccine per day with the assistance of 40 paid staff and 4 management staff. The focused group to receive vaccines from the hotel include those working in Penang’s Business & Industrial sectors and Small Medium Industries (SMI).

To further understand the procedures and arrangements, the Hon. Mr Yeoh Soon Hin (Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy) together with Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran (Chief Executive Officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)) conducted a site inspection to the hotel this afternoon.

“The Penang State Government is exploring the feasibility of more hotels functioning as PPVs to ramp up Penang’s vaccination drive, strategically putting these sites to great use during this period when travel restrictions are still in place. Hotel Equatorial Penang is the first convention hotel to be converted into a PPV and I believe this will assist greatly in speeding up the vaccination process and cover more of Penang’s population,” said Mr Yeoh.

Mr Alan Ong, advisor to Hotel Equatorial Penang explains that the decision to convert the hotel into a PPV is a joint effort between HEP and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) and Penang Health Department (JKNPP) through the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) and ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn Bhd (ProtectHealth) under the Ministry of Health (MOH).

“Although the hotel is closed, we are glad to be able to make available the facilities for use as a PPV and hope that it will be a meaningful contribution in our nation's battle against the pandemic,” said Mr Alan Ong.

“Hotel Equatorial Penang has been a beacon filled of history and memorable moments for Penangites and those who visit Penang. Even through its closure, it is still serving the people of Penang through this trying time. We are glad to be witnessing this achievement from a valuable industry partner,” said Mr Ashwin.

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