Update On COVID-19 As Of March 21: Conduct A Mass Rapid Test And Prohibition Of Storing Chloroquine

Spokesperson for handling the corona virus or COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto (Photo: Twitter @ aw3126)

JAKARTA - The number of positive patients with corona or COVID-19 has increased by 81 cases, as of Saturday, March 21, bringing a total of 450 cases. Furthermore, there are an additional 4 people who have recovered, so a total of 20 people have recovered from this virus. Finally, the number of deaths due to this case increased by 6 people, a total of 38 people.

"We have given all of this data to all heads of provincial offices and heads of provincial offices and have also given them to the hospital where the patient is being treated," Yurianto said in a press conference of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 at Graha BNPB on Saturday.

# CoronaIndonesia, # LawanCovid19, # Covid19, # BersatuCekalCorona, # Covid_19, # SiapUntukSelamat, # BelaNegara, # PBUrusanBersama, # IndonesiaTangguh, # UpdateCovid19, https://t.co/RjOSzJWtB0

- BNPB Indonesia (@BNPB_Indonesia) March 21, 2020

Meanwhile, quoted from the patient data update sheet, there are seven provinces that are the concentration of adding new patients. Of the seven provinces, DKI Jakarta is the largest with 44 new patients. Then, West Java with 14 patients and East Java with 11 patients. Then, Banten as many as 4 people and Central Java as many as 2 people. Furthermore, South Sulawesi as many as 2 people, DIY as many as 1 person 8 and in the verification process as many as 3 people.

Data updates on positive cases of Covid-19 as of March 21 2020 13.00 WIB # COVID19indonesia @BNPB_Indonesia @KemenkesRI pic.twitter.com/9LiCCHqw9Q

- Agus Wibowo (@ aw3126) March 21, 2020

Furthermore, the government has made a number of efforts to prevent the spread of this COVID-19 case, including conducting a rapid test. Rapid tests have been carried out since yesterday afternoon in several sub-districts in South Jakarta which will be continued throughout Indonesia for groups at risk.

The rapid test will be synergized with tracing activities in cases of positive patients. For example, when there is a positive case, a rapid test will be carried out on the family and the place where the patient works. "The goal is to find positive cases as soon as possible and carry out isolation," said Yuri.

Yuri asked the whole community to remain vigilant. Because, a negative result from a rapid test does not mean that it is truly negative for this virus. Yuri explained that this negative result was due to the absence of a serological response or an immune response. This often occurs with infections that occur in under 6 or 7 days. "Therefore, this test will be repeated in the next 6 or 7 days with the same examination," said Yuri.

When a person is negative for their rapid test results, Yuri asks that person to continue to self-isolate by limiting distance. This is because the first negative result does not guarantee that he is not infected with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, when someone has a positive result, self-isolation or isolation will be carried out in the hospital depending on their needs. "When there are complaints that follow, it requires hospital services," he said.

Another government strategy is to bring in chloroquine. This drug, said Yuri, has been used experience by other countries and has given a positive response. Chloroquine is considered to be able to cure, not prevent the virus.

Therefore, Yuri reminded the public not to buy or store this drug excessively. "This is a strong drug that must be purchased with a doctor's prescription," he said.