Ministry Of Health Prevents Direct Entry Of Corona Virus On Aircraft

Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Anung Sugihantono during a press conference in Jakarta, Monday 27 January. (Mery Handayani / VOI)

JAKARTA - The corona virus, which was first discovered in China, is now increasingly unsettling for world citizens. Because the virus has spread to 13 countries, including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Macau, Vietnam, Nepal, and the United States.

Director General of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Anung Sugihantono emphasized that until now his party continues to increase efforts to prevent the spread of the corona virus or 2019-nCoV to Indonesia.

Anung explained that the Ministry of Health had been implementing massive health checks using a thermal scanner at the airport arrival gate. However, most recently, the medical examination procedure was carried out individually, directly on the plane that had just arrived.

According to Anung, this kind of medical examination procedure is carried out on those who have just arrived from abroad, especially China. "As it is known that we have a thermal scanner that we use fully. But in line with the escalation increase, we are now starting to increase our vigilance at the beginning. Now it has started getting into planes," he said, during a press conference at the Ministry of Health's Building, Jalan Rasuna. Said, Kuningan, Jakarta, Monday, January 27.

Since yesterday, said Anung, this kind of health check has been carried out at Soekarno Hatta Airport. He explained that the mechanism is, if someone is indicated to be unwell, the person concerned will be directed to the airport health post to undergo an examination.

Then, continued Anung, if the person concerned is indicated as healthy, he will be given a health alert card which is valid for 14 days from his arrival in Indonesia. However, if during that time the health alert card holder shows symptoms of illness such as colds and coughs, he should be examined further.

Examination of passengers at Soetta airport. (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

"We have provided a health alert card which is also part of the mechanism for controlling those who travel to Indonesia," he said.

In addition to tightening health checks, said Anung, the Ministry of Health has collaborated with PT Angkasa Pura in preparing an apron or a special aircraft parking lot, in case there are aircraft that are indicated to be carrying someone who is not healthy. This apron was prepared at Soekarno Hatta Airport and was deliberately provided away from other aprons.

"At Tanjung Priok (Port) it has also been implemented since yesterday, there is such a thing as a scout, usually he goes up first with the parking boat before the health workers arrive, now the KKP (port health office) friends get on first (to the ship), only when they have arrived. The clear guide goes up to take the ship to the port parking lot which has been determined, "explained Anung.