Update On COVID-19 As Of March 26: Indonesia Needs Thousands Of Medical Workers

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for handling the corona virus or COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto (Yuri) said that around 103 patients were declared infected with the dangerous virus as of Thursday, March 26. In total, there were 893 positive cases.

"We see that there are more than 103 positive confirmed cases, bringing the total to 893," said Yuri at Graha BNPB which was broadcast on YouTube, Thursday, March 26.

Furthermore, the number of recovered cases also increased to 35 people from the previous number of 31 people. Meanwhile, for cases of death, increased by 20 people with a total of 78 people.

"For the accumulation, to this day there are an additional 4 recovered cases. Therefore the number of recovered cases is 35 people. There are an additional 20 deaths, so a total of 78 people," said Yuri.

Then, referring to existing data as of Thursday, March 26, the most additional patients occurred in two regions, namely, DKI Jakarta which contributed 53 and South Sulawesi with 14 new cases. With the addition of this number, DKI Jakarta has recorded 515 cases and South Sulawesi has 27 cases.

"If we look at the distribution, it will still be dominated by cases that we find in DKI Jakarta. Meanwhile, we see in South Sulawesi there are also 14 additional cases," said Yuri.

Update case data # COVID19indonesia 26/3/2020 pic.twitter.com/qdQe8xzecQ

- Agus Wibowo (@ aw3126) March 26, 2020

Requires additional medical personnel

On the same occasion, the COVID-19 Task Force Volunteer Coordinator Andre Rahadian said, currently Indonesia still lacks medical personnel to deal with COVID-19 positive patients.

"Currently, Indonesia needs around 1,500 doctors, especially pulmonary specialists, anesthetists and also general doctors with lab staff of around 2500 nurses, as well as hospital administration to ambulance drivers," he said.

For this reason, his party invites anyone who has the ability in the medical field to volunteer. Later, those who want to participate can register online via the BNPB website.

In addition, the task force for handling the acceleration of COVID-19 has worked with various associations, NGOs and universities to unite against the spread of COVID-19. In the future, volunteers who have abilities in the medical field will be at the forefront. Meanwhile, students from universities will assist in preventive measures.

"All elements join to become volunteers, where doctors and nurses as well as the administration of the pharmaceutical hospital will be at the forefront of treating patients and handling hospitals," said Andre.

"Meanwhile, fellow students and final year students will become the second layer as part of prevention. The fellow students will assist with both psychological and medical consultations which will be carried out through the online platform," added Andre as he ended.