Criticism For The Prohibition Of Cellphone Use Policy For Corona Patients

JAKARTA - The Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital (RSPI) reviewed the policy on using cellphones for Corona virus or COVID-19 patients during the treatment period. Because, excessive use of cell phones can have a psychological impact on patients, and can be a medium for transmitting the virus.

However, the policy feels heavy if enforced because cellphones are an alternative entertainment and means of communicating with family members. Because when they are in isolation, they are not allowed to be visited by anyone.

Responding to the plan to review the policy, the Indonesian Public Health Expert Association (IAKMI) Hermawan Saputra said that the ban on the use of cell phones like this is considered very excessive. Although, there is a possibility of transmitting COVID-19 via cellphone, the percentage is quite small.

He said, the spread of the new virus can occur when a positive patient uses a cellphone for more than 30 minutes and the cellphone is immediately used by someone else. However, this kind of pattern is difficult to do because they are in an isolation room.

"It can be a transmission medium, but there are certain notes. So the ban on cellphone use seems too excessive," Hermawan told VOI, Wednesday, March 11.

The policy should not have been made to prohibit the use of cellphones, but rather ask patients not to read news that continues to discuss the issue of COVID-19. So that, psychologically, patients can be awake while continuing to provide motivation.

He suspects, this prohibition was enforced to maintain medical confidentiality so that it does not go out into the community. "There is another suspicion behind the ban on cellphone use, namely maintaining medical confidentiality," said Hermawan.

Meanwhile, University of Indonesia psychologist Kassandra Putranto said that the emergence of this policy must have good reasons and have considered all the risks. Although, the impact of depression will definitely be received by the patients.

"All policies must have a basis and the doctor who understands the most. Including thinking about all the impacts," said Kassandra.