Banyuputih Health Center Situbondo Closed, 15 Health Workers Positive For COVID-19 New Variant

JAKARTA - As many as 15 health workers at the Banyuputih Health Center, Situbondo, East Java have tested positive for the new type of COVID-19. This is based on data from the local health department.

Acting Head of the Situbondo District Health Office, Dwi Herman Susilo, explained that previously there were eight health workers at the Banyuputih Health Center who were found to be positive for COCID-19, so that the health services in that place were temporarily closed.

"Currently, there are an additional seven health workers who have COVID-19. Therefore, we have temporarily closed the health services at the Banyuputih Health Center," he said in Situbondo, as reported by Antara, Monday, June 21.

He explained last week that the Banyuputih Health Center had been temporarily closed for emergency room and inpatient services, and only served outpatients to anticipate the spread of the virus.

"We just coordinated with the Secretary of State and immediately closed all health services at the Banyuputih Health Center, starting today until next week," said Dwi.

As long as the Banyuputih Health Center is temporarily closed, he said, all health services will be transferred to a sub-health center (pustu) in Sumberanyar Village.

"So, the Banyuputih Health Center is again temporarily closed for all services to be more effective and to be completely sterile at the puskesmas. Previously, it was closed for services in the ER and inpatient care, but it is still open for outpatient services, now we are completely closed," he said.

In addition to health workers, Dwi explained that a few days ago four personnel of the Situbondo Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) were also exposed to COVID-19 after participating in diving training activities at Pasir Putih Beach.

"There are four personnel at BPBD who have also been exposed to COVID-19, but all of them have the status of people without symptoms or OTG," he said.

Information at the Health Service stated that during June 18-20 2021, the number of Situbondo residents exposed to COVID-19 increased by 72 people, with the number of deaths during those three days reaching seven people.

The data also states, as of Sunday (20/6) the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Situbondo reached 2,723 people, with details of 2,391 recovered, 211 people died, active cases and 121 people are being treated (treated in hospital 25 patients, observation building four people, self-isolation 92 people).

Dwi reminded the public to remain disciplined in complying with health protocols to reduce the number of virus transmissions which in a number of other areas are now also increasingly being exposed to it.