Negative Corona, The Minister Of Communication And Information, Johnny G Plate, Remains Waiting

Menkominfo Johnny G Plate (doc. Public Relations Ministry of Communication and Information)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Communication and Informatics (Menkominfo) Johnny G Plate carried out a test for the corona virus (SARS-Cov-2) or COVID-19 a few days ago. The result was that he was tested negative for COVID-19.

The examination was carried out after Johnny held a limited meeting with the Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, who was later confirmed positive for the corona virus. By following a series of examination tests at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Jakarta.

"Blood lab tests, lung X-rays and swab tests at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital were all negative (from COVID-19)," Johnny said when confirmed, Friday, March 20.

Knowing that his lab results were negative, Plate decided to continue working at the Ministry of Communication and Information office. Even though he does not work from home or isolate himself, he still limits himself to reduce physical contact.

This is in contrast to the government's appeal to stay at home, in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 contamination. At least the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, where the Kominfo office is located, has issued an appeal to work from home for the next few days.

"I still work in the office, but my contacts are very limited with officials and in case of emergency I meet with very selective parties. What we continue to pay attention to is to maintain physical contact distance and regularly use hand sanitizers," he explained.

In contrast to the Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati who chose to work from home, even though she was tested negative for COVID-19. He chose to be self-isolated to minimize physical contact during the corona virus outbreak.

The minister argued that he wanted to set an example for his staff and the community to do social distancing. Especially with the increasing transmission of the corona virus in Indonesia.

As is known, last week a number of officials including President Joko Widodo and the first lady conducted a series of COVID-19 tests at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital. This step was taken after the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, tested positive for the corona virus.

Several ministers in the Working Cabinet have also submitted the results of examination tests that have tested negative for corona. Apart from Johnny and Sri Mulyani, there were Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian.