Every month, the Ministry of Agriculture Conducts a Rapid and a Swab Test

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Agriculture regularly conducts rapid and swab tests for every employee. It's a step to avoid the COVID-19 spread.

This statement was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, during security and other supporting facilities examination in the buildings around the Head Office of the Ministry of Agriculture to mitigate the occurrence of fires and the spread of COVID-19.

"Every month, we have checked through rapid tests and swab tests. However, we cannot watch every employee for 24 hours. They also have other activities at home, at the market, or other places," said the Minister of Agriculture, quoted from Antara, Monday 24 August.

The Minister of Agriculture explained that the agricultural sector also requires employees to go directly to the fields in various regions to maintain food conditions. However, he ensured that his staff members always applied health protocols as recommended by the government.

17 employees within the scope of the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of the Ministry of Agriculture were confirmed positive for COVID-19, based on the results of the swab test (PCR).

The Ministry of Agriculture then carried out a regional quarantine or lockdown at Building C, Floor 6-9, for three days on August 24-26 2019 to disinfect all rooms.

"From the last swab test, there were indeed several employees who were positive. Currently, they have received treatment. The room has also been sterilized. The division between WFH and WFO also continues as before," said the Minister of Agriculture.

On the same occasion, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Momon Rusmono, said that as an anticipatory step, the ranks of the Ministry of Agriculture were constantly asked to take strict preventive measures. First, disinfectant spraying is carried out to all rooms of the Ministry of Agriculture's Head Office.

"Second, strict health protocols in every room, including enhancing the immunity of each employee," he said.

Third, setting up a work from home (WFH) system to complete work/tasks. Fourth, reduce physical activities (preferably using virtual ones). Fifth, increasing the number of rapid tests for the employees. 

Momon added that the positive workers are undergoing treatment and self-isolation. Generally, they did not show symptoms of illness.