Family Forces Take COVID-19 Body At Tanjungpinang Hospital, Police Legal Process

TANJUNGPINANG - Tanjungpinang Resort Police, Riau Islands, investigated the alleged case of forced retrieval of a COVID-19 positive body by the family at the hospital.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Tanjungpinang Police, AKP Rio Reza Panindra, said the incident occurred at the Tanjungpinang City Hospital.

AKP Rio said the police are currently examining witnesses, including the COVID-19 Task Force Team in this area.

The examination, he said, would also target the families of the forced takers of the COVID-19 positive bodies for further legal process.

"We will immediately collect and confiscate evidence related to this case," said AKP Rio, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, July 7.

Rio said the perpetrators in this case could be subject to Article 9 of the Law on Health Quarantine with a penalty of one year in prison.

According to him, handling this case as a form of "warning" (warning) for anyone who violates health protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic will be dealt with firmly.

"We urge residents not to ignore the health protocols that have been set by the government. This is for the common good and safety," said Rio.