Can GeNose Test Results Be A Condition For Travel During The COVID-19 Pandemic?

JAKARTA - GeNose, a COVID-19 detection tool made by experts from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) obtained a distribution permit from the Ministry of Health. This tool will analyze volatile organic compound (VOC) particles that are specifically released by people with COVID-19 while breathing.

Then, can the results of the COVID-19 health test using GeNose be used as a prerequisite for traveling during this COVID-19 pandemic?

The head of the GeNose development team, Professor Kuwat Triyana, explained that his party is currently holding discussions with several state-owned companies in the transportation sector, namely PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) and PT Angkasa Pura.

"At this time PT KAI as well as other industries such as Angkasa Pura and so on have started discussions and have even reached the level of synchronizing their IT systems," he said, in a webinar, Friday, January 15.

There is no clear answer regarding the results of the GeNose test which can later be used as an alternative travel condition.

The regulations regarding travel conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic were issued by the COVID-19 Task Force.

Previously, Chairman of the Consortium for Research and Innovation for COVID-19 Research and Technology / BRIN Ali Ghufron Mukti said the rapid screening tool for COVID-19 through breath was sold for around Rp. 62 million.

"How much is the selling price for this tool? This is Rp.62 million for the tool," he said in a webinar.