Ambon City Government Intensifies Antigen Tests In Schools, Offices And Areas Prone To Exposure To Prevent COVID-19 Transmission

AMBON - The City Government (Pemkot) of Ambon, Maluku is intensively conducting antigen swab tests to residents in areas prone to exposure to COVID-19, as an effort to reduce the transmission rate of the new coronavirus in the local area.

"We are intensively tracking with antigen tests at offices, schools, and a number of areas in Ambon that are prone to being exposed to COVID-19, then proceed with PCR swab tests," said Head of Ambon City Health Office Wendy Pelupessy, quoted by Antara, Monday, February 7.

He explained that testing, tracking, and tracing of cases was carried out on people who were in close contact with positive confirmed patients, in order to reduce movement and minimize transmission.

This case, he said, is identical to transmission, so when people reduce their movement, they will minimize transmission.

"When we get more confirmed cases, we can isolate them so they don't walk, then infect other people so that the transmission is more massive," he said.

In addition to conducting swab tests, Health Service officers provide socialization related to the implementation of health protocols, such as using masks when leaving the house, diligently washing hands with soap, maintaining physical distance, and not crowding.

"Implementing the health protocol is one of the simple ways we can prevent the COVID-19 virus," he said.

From January 24 to February 6, 2022, Ambon City has recorded 725 positive confirmed cases, with three deaths.

While the previous zoning score was 2.92, down to 2.73, which was in the yellow zone with Level 2 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM).

Whereas previously, Ambon City had maintained zero cases for five consecutive weeks and was in the green zone.