Coming To Riau, Jokowi: Don't Let Your Guard Down In Handling The COVID-19

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded all parties, especially the Riau Provincial Government should not be caught off guard against the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the spread of the virus is not over.

"I came to Riau because I wanted to remind us all how much we need to work together, do not let our guard down, and there is a quick response if there is an increase (positive cases of COVID-19, red)", Jokowi said while giving a briefing to Regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda) in Riau Province uploaded on the presidential secretariat's YouTube channel, Thursday, May 20.

All levels of government and security forces in Riau Province are asked to cooperate in controlling the pandemic. Because, based on previous experience, good cooperation will facilitate the process of controlling COVID-19 in the community.

"If you join together in coordination, in meetings, and in the field, the problem will be easy. This is from our experience at the national level as well as in the provinces, districts/cities that we see and observe", he said.

The former Governor of DKI Jakarta also alluded to the decrease in the number of active cases in the country. He said that at the beginning of February, the number of active cases of COVID-19 reached 176 thousand now the number has decreased drastically to 50.5 percent to 87 thousand.

Even so, he urged all parties not to lose vigilance and to act quickly. Because he does not want the spread of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia to end like India's current condition.

"When it's decreasing, be careful. Don't let your guard down, don't lose your guard. Do not let your guard down and do not wait for our new chaos to act, too late", said Jokowi.

He said that all parties must continue to implement the Implementation of Micro-scale Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM). In addition, he also asked that when one positive case of COVID-19 is found, isolation should be carried out immediately.

"If it is heavy, take it to the hospital", said Jokowi.

Furthermore, Jokowi also alluded to the number of COVID-19 cases in Riau Province. He asked that local authorities be careful. Because, when the local government is off guard then what happens is an increase in active cases.

Not only that, but Jokowi also alluded to the number of recovery in Riau Province. According to him, although the recovery rate in this province reached 89 percent but still below the national recovery rate of 92 percent.

"This needs to be improved, why should the number of recovered cases high? Because we don't want anyone to die", he said.

So is the death toll. Jokowi said the provincial government should be careful.

"Be careful, the number of cases here is high because our mortality rate nationally is 2.7 (percent, red)", he said.

"Be careful, Indragiri Hilir is 5.23 (percent, red). Try to check properly. Is the cure often too late, is there no ventilator? Check right. Rokan Hulu is also 4.5 (percent red). Let's see. That number is recorded and if I ask, all regents, mayors, governors should know", he concluded.