COVID-19 Cases And Deaths Rise Again, The Task Force Calls The Result Of Easter Holidays And Vaccination Euphoria

COVID-19 Handling Task Force Spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito (DOK BNPB)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Task Force for Handling COVID-19, Wiku Adisasmito, said there was a sharp increase in new cases and the weekly death rate for COVID-19.

This week, positive cases increased by 14.1 percent. In fact, last week the number of COVID-19 cases had fallen by 14 percent.

"It is very unfortunate, after experiencing a decline last week, this week the addition of positive cases and deaths has increased again," Wiku said in BNPB Indonesia's Youtube broadcast, Tuesday, April 20.

The increase in cases was contributed mostly from Java Island, namely 3 of the five provinces with the largest increase.

The highest increase came from West Java, which this week rose 2,276 cases from last week's accumulated cases. Followed by Central Java with an increase of 1,203 cases, Riau by 346, DKI Jakarta by 346, and East Nusa Tenggara by 266.

Furthermore, the death rate rose 4.2 percent. DKI Jakarta contributed 30 deaths, followed by Riau with 21 deaths, Central Kalimantan 12 deaths, Banten 8 deaths, and DI Yogyakarta 8 deaths.

"The increase in positive cases and deaths could be due to the impact of the Easter holiday on April 4 and decreased compliance with health protocols which may have occurred due to the euphoria of vaccinations," said Wiku.

He reiterated that the decline in health protocol compliance needs to be anticipated by educating the public that vaccination does not eliminate the possibility of someone being exposed to COVID-19.

Vaccination, said Wiku, only reduces the risk and severity of the virus. "For that, it is important for people to wear masks, keep their distance, and avoid crowds even though they have been vaccinated," he explained.

Wiku said, this unfavorable development needs to be immediately mitigated so that it is not sustainable in the following weeks. Moreover, currently Java Island is again dominating in the top five contributors to the addition of positive cases and deaths this week.