Update On COVID-19 As Of 22 May: Daily COVID-19 Tests Nearly Reach Jokowi's Target

Government spokesman for the handling of COVID-19 Achmad Yurianto (Yuri) (Photo: BNPB document)

JAKARTA - Government spokesman for the handling of COVID-19 Achmad Yurianto (Yuri) explained the progress of the case as of Friday, May 22 at 12.00 WIB. There were an additional 634 confirmed positive cases today. The total number of positive cases became 20,796 people.

Then, the number of cured cases surpassed the death cases. There were an additional 219 patients recovered, bringing the total to 5,057 patients. Meanwhile, 48 patients died, bringing it to 1,326 patients.

"There are comorbidities that worsen the patient's condition, namely comorbid hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease," said Yuri at a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Friday, May 22.

Furthermore, the number of specimens examined per day has reached 9,359 times. In detail, 9,082 specimens were examined using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 277 specimens were examined using a molecular rapid test (TCM).

The number of specimens examined per day has almost reached the target set by President Joko Widodo. Some time before, Jokowi had targeted a massive COVID-19 test of up to 10 thousand tests per day.

Infographics update on the acceleration of handling COVID-19 in Indonesia as of May 22, 2020 at 12.00 WIB. # UniteLawanCovid19 pic.twitter.com/IJzR5Mtegd

- BNPB Indonesia (BNPB_Indonesia) May 22, 2020

Then, the patient data under surveillance (PDP) which is currently still under surveillance reached 11,028 people. Meanwhile, people under monitoring (ODP) who are currently still being monitored reach 50,057.

Yuri understands that the community cannot be separated from the traditions ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebration, such as shopping for new clothes, cooking special Eid food, to staying in touch with family and the surrounding environment.

However, Yuri asked the public to get around the tradition so that the tradition was carried out but still prevented transmission of COVID-19 by not crowding, maintaining distance, washing hands with soap, not leaving the house if not necessary, and wearing a mask if you had to leave the house.

"Let us fully realize that traveling. Whatever the reason, if it is not necessary at all, it should not be done. We all realize how hard it is to adapt to traditions that have been built for so long in our society," said Yuri.

"Therefore, there is one thing that we must do. We must be patient in facing this. We must deal with it together otherwise it will be difficult for all of us," he continued.