Update On COVID-19 As Of May 20: Highest Number Of Positive Cases By Government Scenario

Government spokesman for the handling of COVID-19 Achmad Yurianto (Photo: Doc. Task Force)

JAKARTA - Government spokesman for the handling of COVID-19 Achmad Yurianto (Yuri) explained the data while the addition of cases per Wednesday, May 20, which continues to increase. A total of 693 people tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 19,189 patients.

The increase in the number of positive confirmed cases is the result of specimen examination using the saliva method (swab) using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine and a rapid molecular test (TCM). Approximately 211,883 specimens have been examined from 154,139 people.

From that examination, it was also found that there were 108 cases that were negative or recovered. Thus, a total of 4,575 people were declared cured of COVID-19. Then, 21 people died with a total of 1,242 patients who died as a result of contracting COVID-19

Likewise, for the case of people under monitoring (ODP) the number reached 44,703 people. Meanwhile, for patients under surveillance (PDP) it reached 11,705 people.

The number of positive cases which are almost 700 people does not mean that the government is standing by. All efforts have been made without any pointing to relaxing the PSBB as a preventive measure for COVID-19.

The government is currently conducting various studies and scenarios related to PSBB relaxation in fighting the spread of COVID-19. Later, the government will develop and implement it when the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic are under control.

But to implement it, there were obstacles. This is because various regions have different regulations. So, it takes time to discuss it more deeply so that there are no errors during transmission.

"We are conducting this study, because the problems in each region are not the same. Therefore, a comprehensive data study by all parties is needed and this is now being compiled by the government," said Yuri at Graha BNPB, Wednesday, May 20.

For that, said Yuri, people should not think negatively about relaxation either. This is because if the government does not make agreements and other things, then what will happen will only be new infections.

"If then this relaxation is not measurable, what will happen will be new infections due to a feeling that you no longer need to wear masks, feel you no longer need to guard jara, feel you no longer need to protect the crowd," said Yuri.

In fact, the worst impact is if the community does not prioritize health protocols, namely, the more uncontrolled spread and complicates the healing process.

"If this is done, there will be more infections, the more positive cases we will get, and this will make it more difficult for us," said Yuri.