UI Epidemiologist: Mer-C Does Not Have The Right To Swab Rizieq Shihab Test

JAKARTA - Epidemiologist expert from the University of Indonesia Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono said Mer-C should not do a swab test with Rizieq Shihab.

This is because Mer-C is not part of the health facilities appointed by the government to be able to carry out swab tests.

That statement was conveyed by Tri when testifying as an expert in the case of the UMMI Hospital swab test results.

Initially, the presiding judge Khadwanto asked a question about the authority of Mer-C, which is an organization to conduct swab tests. Then Tri firmly answered that Mer-C had no right to do it.

"MER-C is an organization, has the right not to do a swab test?", asked the judge during his trial at the East Jakarta District Court, Wednesday, May 5.

"For organization, no", answered Tri.

Then, Tri also said that only the only facilities that have been appointed by the government should be allowed to do the swab test.

The reason is, the results of the test swab can be recorded immediately. Then, the follow-up of the swab results can be monitored properly.

"So the COVID-19 Task Force will order the health service. So later the service will appoint health workers who can check or take swabs", said Tri.

For information, Mer-C had conducted a swab test with Rizieq Shihab. At that time, Rizieq was said to be not feeling well so it was decided to be examined.

From the results of the examination and swab, Mer-C stated that Rizieq was reactive to COVID-19. So, advised Rizieq to be hospitalized.