COVID-19 Task Force Prepares Hundreds Of Thousands Of Antigen Rapid Test Equipment, Anticipating Backflow From Bakauheni

Kasatgas Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo (DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Task Force on Handling COVID-19, Doni Monardo, said 200 thousand antigens rapid test equipment has been prepared to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at Bakauheni Port in the midst of the backflow of Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri.

Not only that, but the stock of antigen rapid test equipment is also available at the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) and the Health Office of Lampung Province.

"There is 50 thousand stock in BPKP then belongs to Health Office of Lampung is 12 thousand, that has been distributed and already in the cruise from Merak to Bakauheni as much as 200 thousand rapid antigen tests", Doni said in a press conference that aired on BNPB Indonesia's YouTube account, Saturday, May 15.

"So we believe that the amount can be adequate", he added.

He predicts hundreds of thousands of travelers will also return to Java island through Bakauheni Port. Because, from April 22 to May 14, there were 440,014 people have traveled from Merak Port to Bakauheni.

"The data we obtained from PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry and GM Bakauheni Port there are 440,014 people who have traveled from Merak to Bakauheni and predicted this figure will return (to Java Island, red) in a relatively short time", he said.

Thus, the government continues to anticipate the spread of travelers from Sumatra island to Java island in various ways.

This includes improving all available resources from the preparation of antigen swab officers to optimizing the ferries at Bakauheni Port and having all piers fully operational.

"Then logistics at all checkpoints both on toll roads, non-toll roads, Bakauheni Port can be optimal. Including, the division of time for officers can be more optimal which is 3 shifts so that they can be fresh," he said.

Furthermore, he has also made preparations for self-isolation for COVID-19 positive travelers. According to Doni, Lampung Provincial Government has prepared several facilities such as guesthouses and existing bills.

If still less, the central government is ready to provide a place by cooperating with hotels and inns around Lampung.

So is the preparation of the hospital. He said that Lampung Provincial Government has instructed hospitals to prepare in case of an increase in COVID-19 patients from travelers, especially vulnerable groups.

"If these travelers experience symptoms and vulnerable groups, then at the first opportunity should be treated in hospitals provided by the Provincial Government of Lampung and Lampung Province Dinkes instruct hospitals in Lampung to prepare themselves in case of an increase in COVID-19 patients from the traveler," it said.