591 Inland Residents Of North Kalimantan Positive For COVID-19

TARAKAN - A total of 591 inland residents in Long Nawang and Long Ampung, Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan, were confirmed positive for COVID-19.

Head of the North Kalimantan Health Service, Usman, said that the COVID-19 case was detected from the rapid results of antigens in Long Nawang, which amounted to 386 cases and Long Ampung with 205 cases. While the number of patients who recovered was 62 people, and seven people died.

"Some time ago we accompanied the Governor to visit there (Long Ampung and Long Nawang, ed), all the people who were exposed were the people there and when we came, on average they were self-isolating", said Usman in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, July 13.

The North Kalimantan Health Office provides assistance and socialization of the handling of COVID-19 to the community so that they can self-isolate and obey health protocols.

This is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases, which are increasing day by day.

"Based on one of the victims who died who had undergone a swab test and was confirmed positive, after close contact tracing, it was found that many were also positive with the antigen swab examination", said Usman.

The North Kalimantan Provincial Government has taken steps to suppress the growth of COVID-19 in the North Kalimantan border area with Malaysia.

The North Kalimantan Provincial Government, especially through the North Kalimantan Health Office, is still trying to supply some assistance in the form of additional teams of personnel, medicines, antigen kits, PPE, and masks totaling 500 packages.

The provincial government continues to coordinate with the Malinau Regency Government in this case through the Malinau District Health Office and monitors the amount of aid available.

"If we look at the number of COVID-19 cases, it is evenly distributed to all districts/cities (North Kalimantan)", said Usman.

In addition, Usman explained transportation constraints to reach locations in border areas to be able to distribute aid by air which has a fairly limited capacity.

"That is precisely the problem because it is difficult to transport goods, and only 12 people and the plane must be chartered first", he said.