In A Week, Indonesia's COVID-19 Rose By 3,899 Cases, Task Force: An Alarm That Needs To Be Watched Out For

Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito. (BNPB Doc)

JAKARTA - The spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito reminded us that the increase in COVID-19 cases in recent times is an alarm that needs to be watched out for together.

"Continue to tighten the discipline of health protocols. At this time it is very important to protect yourself and others", he said at a virtual press conference regarding developments in handling COVID-19 in Indonesia on Tuesday, June 21.

He explained that weekly positive cases had increased for six consecutive days to reach 3,899 cases.

"Although this number is not high compared to Indonesia's population as a whole, with the number of cases which for the last two months has been kept below 1,000, this is an alarm that needs to be watched out for", he said.

He explained that weekly cases increased by 105 percent from the previous 3,688 last week to 7,587 this week.

"This also affects active cases, which also increased from 4,734 to 8,594 this week", he said.

It should be, he said, if positive cases and active cases have increased, the number of deaths should be suppressed and the percentage of cures should be increased.

"However, in the last week there was an increase in weekly deaths from 28 in the previous week to 44, so it is necessary to immediately intensify mitigation efforts so that the death rate does not increase. On the other hand, the recovery rate must continue to be increased", he said.

According to Wiku, the inspection is an important indicator in efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.

"High testing will increase the accuracy of the number of positive cases in the community. In addition, it will also quickly capture cases so that they are quickly handled properly according to symptoms", he said.

The COVID-19 Handling Task Force also reminded us that several things need to be intensified to prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases.

"First is case detection, by increasing public awareness to go to the testing location if you have symptoms or have made close contact. The regional government needs to make sure the testing site is available and easily accessible", he said.