Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah Positive For COVID-19

BANDA ACEH - Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah tested positive for COVID-19 after carrying out a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) swab test.

"Based on the results of the PCR swab that the Governor carried out on Monday morning, it was confirmed that he was exposed to COVID-19 without symptoms," said Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of the Aceh Secretariat, Muhammad Iswanto in Banda Aceh, quoted by Antara, Monday, May 31.

Iswanto explained that the Governor of Aceh, Nova Iriansyah, had participated in all activities by implementing strict health protocols.

"All activities, both formal and non-formal activities such as reception of guests are carried out with strict procedures," he said.

Iswanto said Nova Iriansyah himself routinely conducts PCR tests every Monday morning during the pandemic to ensure that the Governor who carries out activities and meets many and diverse people is not exposed.

"This means that the Governor has taken good care of himself and his environment so that they are not exposed," he continued.

Iswanto emphasized that despite being exposed to COVID, the Governor would still carry out daily activities such as leading meetings and providing directions to SKPA leaders via online.

"All government activities, God willing, will continue as usual. The Governor will still lead the meeting, through online of course," said Iswanto.

Iswanto said the governor conveyed a message to the entire community to continue to maintain cleanliness and health in order to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

Previously, the Governor had also issued Circular No. 440/9772 concerning Restrictions on Face-to-Face Meetings within the Aceh Government in Anticipating the Spread of COVID-19 in Aceh.

In the circular letter, the Governor of Aceh stated, based on data from the Aceh COVID-19 Task Force on May 26, 2021, there was an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases by 267 people and this was the highest daily case during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aceh.

"In an effort to control the number of COVID-19 cases, in Aceh, we convey to you that meeting/meeting activities in a closed room are carried out with a limitation on the number of participants according to the capacity of the room," said one of the points of the Circular

The provisions of the meeting were explained, among others, first, the seating distance must be at least two meters between participants. Second, participants must wear masks. Third, before entering the room, check the temperature and wash your hands/hand sanitizer. Fourth, the maximum time for the meeting/meeting is 60 minutes. Lastly, do not serve food and drinks except for the participants to take home.

The circular also explains that there will be sanctions for those who violate it.