Jokowi Highlights The High Death Rate Of COVID-19 Patients In Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan

SAMARINDA - President Joko Widodo during his one-day visit to East Kalimantan, gave special notes to regencies/cities, one of which was for North Penajam Paser Regency (PPU). Jokowi assessed that the death rate from COVID-19 was still high.

"I noted some of the highest deaths that should be a concern in East Kalimantan, the death rate reached 3.9 percent, namely in PPU Regency and Balikpapan City," Jokowi said in a direction for handling COVID-19 at Lamin Etam Samarinda, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, August 24.

This high mortality rate occurs, Jokowi continued, because many patients are still self-isolating (isoman), so patients tend to be late in entering the hospital for treatment.

According to him, the process of isomanism by those who are confirmed to have COVID-19 will cause patients to get out of control, so that most of those who are rushed to the hospital are too late, causing death.

"I hope this will be our common concern. We must provide maximum service to prevent deaths from COVID-19," said Jokowi.

The President also reminded all units handling COVID-19 in the regions, including the people of East Kalimantan, to always be careful in dealing with the spread of the corona virus.

"Although the current COVID-19 transmission rate can be said to have decreased, it could suddenly rise at any time, for that I hope all parties always adhere to health protocols," he said.

There are 3 keys to efforts to suppress the spread of COVID-19, which Jokowi mentioned, namely reducing mobility, reducing self-isolation measures, and accelerating vaccination. The three things he asked for attention in the region.

The Regent of North Penajam Paser Abdul Gafur Mas'ud participated in this activity directly in Samarinda. Meanwhile in PPU District, PPU Deputy Regent Hamdam Pangrewa accompanied by PPU District Secretary Muliadi followed the president's virtual briefing from the PPU Regent's Office.