Update On COVID-19 As Of May 21: Record For Highest Positive Cases Reaches 973 Patients

JAKARTA - Government spokesman for the handling of COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto, explained the progress of the case as of Thursday, May 16 at 12.00 WIB. There were an additional 973 confirmed positive cases today. The total number of positive cases became 20,162 people.

Yuri said, the addition of positive confirmed cases per day was the highest increase in one day during the handling of COVID-19.

"This increase is extraordinary and this increase is the highest. The highest increase occurred in East Java," Yuri said at a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Thursday, May 21.

If you look at the distribution data, East Java Province has the highest increase in numbers compared to other provinces, namely 502 people, with a total accumulation of positive cases reaching 2,999.

In fact, the increase in cases in East Java surpassed DKI Jakarta as the province with the highest increase in case rates in Indonesia. As of today, DKI has only experienced an increase of 65 cases, with a total of 6,301 cases.

"This new case emerged as a result of a vulnerable group who contracted it from other people carrying this virus," said Yuri.

Therefore, Yuri advised the public to be more serious about preventing the transmission of COVID-19 by always wearing a mask when leaving the house, washing hands with soap, and avoiding gatherings by keeping a minimum distance of one meter from other people.

However, there is good news that is worth hearing. Where patients recovered increased by 263 patients, with a total of 4,838 people. This number has passed the death cases of COVID-19, which to date have recorded as many as 1,278 patients.

"There are comorbidities that worsen the patient's condition, namely comorbidity, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease," Yuri added.

Then, the patient data under surveillance (PDP) which is currently still being monitored reached 11,066 people. Meanwhile, people under monitoring (ODP) who are currently still being monitored reach 50,187.

Furthermore, the government has tested 219,975 saliva specimens (swab) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and rapid molecular tests (TCM). The number of cases examined was 160,374 people. The number of RT-PCR examination laboratories reached 61 laboratories and TCM 34 laboratories.