Update On COVID-19 As Of March 27: Government Is Actively Looking For Positive Cases

Government spokesman in handling the Corona virus or COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto (Yuri) (Angga Nugraha / VOI)

JAKARTA - The number of positive cases of corona virus or COVID-19 patients in Indonesia has increased. Government spokesman in handling the Corona virus or COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto (Yuri) said, there were 153 new cases of corona positive patients, as of Friday, March 27. In total, 1,046 people have tested positive for the virus.

" Update of cases starting from March 26 until today at 12.00 WIB, we got the addition of 153 new cases," said Yuri at Graha BNPB, Jakarta, Friday, March 27.

On the other hand, the number of cured cases has also increased. As of today, 11 people have been declared cured of COVID-19. Furthermore, for cases of death increased by 9 people. So, the overall death rate is 87 people.

"Then there were 46 who recovered accumulatively. And there were 87 who died during the accumulative data," said Achmad Yurianto.

In addition, based on existing data, the most additional positive cases still occurred in the DKI Jakarta area with a total of 83 people. Then, followed by West Java with a total of 20 people.

Positive cases of # COVID19indonesia on 27/03/2020 reached 1,046 people. DKI Jakarta, Banten and West Java have increased dramatically # LawanCovid19 @BNPB_Indonesia @KemenkesRI pic.twitter.com/3fVdZilQbQ

- Agus Wibowo (@ aw3126) March 27, 2020

The increase in cases of corona positive patients has made the government more active in searching for people who are indicated to be infected in order to break the chain of spreading the virus. Therefore, the government will consistently use rapid tests .

"The government is now actively carrying out the search for positive cases in the community using rapid tests . We have distributed rapid tests, and we have distributed nearly 500 thousand to all provinces," said Yuri.

However, he said, a rapid test was not a benchmark for someone not having contracted COVID-19. This process is used to screen patients under surveillance.

"This is related to tracing . Of course, the rapid test is not to establish a diagnosis but is a screening to lead to positive cases," said Yuri.

Yuri reminded people to do activities indoors and not to return to their hometowns because of the potential for spreading. He said, people who choose to go home have the potential to carry the virus to the area where they live.

"Therefore, it is wise in relation to planning (going home). We suggest to be careful, as much as possible to postpone until this condition becomes much better," said Yuri.