The Lam Wah Ee Hospital here has confirmed that eight of its staff had direct contact with the newly-detected COVID-19 patient in Penang.

In a statement issued yesterday, the hospital said the staff have been placed in close monitoring and immediate terminal disinfection of all affected areas has been conducted in accordance with the Ministry of Health's infection control guidelines.

"Clinical services at the Lam Wah Ee Hospital are not affected and patients can continue with their existing care plans at the hospital," it said.

-- BERNAMA