More COVID-19 Case Deaths Appear in Jakarta This Month

Photo archive - Health workers inject the COVID-19 vaccine to residents in the Tanah Sereal Village area, Tambora, Jakarta/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Health Service recorded that two COVID-19 cases died in December 2023. These COVID-19 deaths appeared again when Indonesia had entered the COVID-19 endemic.

"DKI Jakarta found 2 positive COVID-19 deaths in December 2023 after previously for 2 consecutive months there were no COVID-19 deaths in DKI Jakarta," said Head of the Epidemiology and Immunization Surveillance Section of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, Ngabila Salama in his statement, Monday, December 11.

Ngabila explained that the two COVID-19 cases who died were elderly. One case had comorbid hypertension. Meanwhile, one other case had comorbid stroke and heart failure, and had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 at all.

Due to this condition, Ngabila appealed to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with comorbidities to immediately complete the COVID-19 vaccination.

Because, if this vulnerable group is positive for COVID-19, they have a high potential for serious illness or death.

"Age over 50 years old who have not had a complete vaccine, who have comorbid hypertension, DM, stroke, heart disease, chronic kidney failure, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV and other immune disorders. These are people who must be ensured that their vaccination is complete," she explained.

Furthermore, Ngabila explained that there had been an increase in COVID-19 cases in the last month. In fact, new cases over the past week have increased four times from last week.

"There were 271 positive cases in a week in DKI Jakarta from December 4-10," said Ngabila.

Previously, weekly new COVID-19 cases in the period November 6-12 were recorded at 40 cases, November 13-19 55 cases, November 20-26 62 cases, and Noveber 27-December 3 80 cases.

Since the government declared the spread of the corona virus to be endemic from June 2023, the main responsibility for health lies with each community.

"So far there is no need for further activity restrictions. However, the government has not stopped urging people to wear masks more strictly, wash their hands more diligently, maintain good indoor air ventilation and avoid cigarette smoke," she said.

"The government is also still providing free routine immunizations for children from the government, including 15 types, COVID-19 vaccination doses 1 to 4. Complete them immediately while available and it's free," she continued.