Prepare A Budget Of IDR 6 Billion, Madiun City Government Frees COVID-19 Antigen Tests For Residents In The Red Zone

ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH

MADIUN - The Madiun City Government (Pemkot) provides free rapid antigen testing for citizens suspected of being exposed to the corona virus in order to maximize the handling of COVID-19.

Madiun Mayor Maidi said the Madiun City Government had prepared a budget of Rp. 6 billion to realize the policy. The hope is that people who are sick will be given treatment before it's too late.

"Residents, especially those in the red zone RT or active cases, will be facilitated by free rapid antigen. Those who feel unwell, please test to find out their condition. If they are positive, they will immediately be treated at the Hajj Dormitory RSL to get treatment," said Mayor Maidi, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, August 24.

To launch the policy, his party will soon hold a meeting with the manager of a private laboratory in Madiun City. The laboratory will be contracted to provide rapid antigen test services for residents of Madiun City.

That way, the residents of Madiun City do not need to think about the cost of a rapid antigen test to find out whether they have been exposed to COVID-19 or not. Those who are indicated as positive will be immediately treated in a centralized isolation facility prepared by the Madiun City Government.

"Instead of wondering whether it's healthy or not, it's better to go straight to the lab for an antigen test. If it turns out positive, treatment is immediately carried out so as not to infect others," he said.

The Mayor of Madiun did not want to be late in providing treatment. Because most of the people who were taken to the hospital were already in a deteriorating condition.

As a result, the treatment is not optimal so it does not rule out the possibility of death later. He wants health treatment to be optimal if the condition of the residents is detected early.

"So don't wait for it to be overcrowded before going to the hospital. It doesn't look good, just check it in the lab. This will be free later," he said.

With early detection of COVID-19, it is hoped that the handling of COVID-19 in Madiun City can be maximized, many have recovered, and the cases are under control.

COVID-19 cases in Madiun City as of Tuesday reached 6,785 people. Of that number, 5,961 people have recovered, 199 others are still in treatment, 159 are self-isolating, and 466 people have died.

Additional cases as of Tuesday, 18 people confirmed positive for COVID-19, 28 people recovered, and four people died. While the number of tracking today is 158 people.