3 West Sulawesi Earthquake Refugees Who Fled In Makassar Confirmed Positive For COVID-19

Head of Health Services Division of South Sulawesi Health Office Jamaluddin (ANTARA)

MAKASSAR - The Health Office of South Sulawesi Province noted that three earthquake refugees from Mamuju, West Sulawesi were confirmed positive for COVID-19. The three of them are now isolated.

The three refugees tested positive after carrying out PCR checks on the Mobile PCR of the South Sulawesi Provincial Government at the evacuation site, UPT PPRSA Innang Matutu belonging to the South Sulawesi Social Service on Jalan Tamalate Makassar.

"There are three people, there are babies aged 11 months, children 11 years, and a mother 42 years," said Head of Health Services Department of Health of South Sulawesi Jamaluddin who was met at the evacuation site in Makassar quoted by Antara, Wednesday, January 20.

Refugees who are positive for COVID-19 are immediately referred to the Swiss Bell Makassar Hotel or COVID-19 Tourism Ambassador to carry out isolation and receive optimal service. The three refugees are known to have no comorbid history.

Jamaluddin conveyed the PCR examination since Wednesday morning with four waves, each of which totaled 16 people, bringing the total to 64 people.

The number of confirmed positive, he said, could have increased because the examination of new specimens was carried out on three batches or 42 people, while 16 other specimens were still awaiting results.

Those who are confirmed positive can be categorized as recovering or recovering, because they have a CT value of more than 30.

"If the CT size is below 40, it will be confirmed as COVID-19. The positive baby has CT at 35, almost the same as the 42 year old mother," he said.

The refugees who have gone through the PCR examination have arrived in Makassar since two days ago (18/1) equipped with a certificate of antigen rapid test.

However, because the rapid antigen test is considered to have only a sensitivity of 92 percent, the PCR step for the refugees is still being carried out. It is planned that the PCR examination will also be carried out at the Haji Sudiang Dormitory, as one of the refugee camps prepared by the Makassar City Social Service.