The Captain Of The Indian Ship Anchored In Dumai Is Positive For COVID-19

PEKANBARU - An Indian ship captain who previously docked in Dumai City, Riau, tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, 22 other crew members (ABK) who were also of the same nationality tested negative.

Riau Governor Syamsuar confirmed that the captain of the ship, who had the confirmed status, had already undergone a swab test. Then the results of the swab from the captain of the Indian ship were sent to Jakarta.

"Incidentally, this patient is from abroad, to be precise India. It is necessary to have an examination and the results have been sent to Jakarta," said Syamsuar as quoted by Antara, Monday, May 3.

According to the Governor of Riau, the reason for sending the results of the swab test to Jakarta is to anticipate the spread of the new variant of the COVID-19 virus. The reason is that according to the former Siak Regent, the illness of the Indian ship captain was classified as severe and had to be treated in the ICU.

"Now being treated, this patient is classified as heavy, has been treated in the ICU. Because our laboratory has not been able to detect a new variant of the virus. That's why it was sent to Jakarta," said Syamsuar.

In India, a number of cases of the COVID-19 variant were found which initially appeared in the UK, in South Africa and in Brazil. India recorded 47,262 new infections a day, the highest since early November, bringing the number to 11.7 million.

Meanwhile, in Riau, according to the data, as of Monday evening, there were 4,066 COVID-19 patients undergoing independent isolation, 941 being hospitalized. During the outbreak in Riau, 1,133 people have died due to the ferocity of the virus.