Biak Numfor Alert, Highest COVID-19 Case In Papua

JAKARTA - The Papua COVID-19 Prevention and Handling Task Force stated that of the 16 districts and cities in the province, Biak Numfor Regency had the highest number of COVID-19 cases.

"Cumulatively as of Friday, July 16, there were 4,945 people being treated for COVID-19, 998 of them being treated in Biak Numfor Regency," said Spokesperson for SGPP COVID-19 Papua, dr. Silwanus Sumule in Jayapura, reported by Antara, Sunday, July 18.

Admittedly, there are 998 people who have been exposed to COVID-19 who have been hospitalized, but some are undergoing self-isolation.

The highest area after Biak is Jayapura City with 832 people being treated, then Kab. Mimika 664 people, Kab. Jayapura 564 people, Merauke 471 people, Jayawijaya 281 people, Yapen Islands 244 people and Asmat Regency 221 people.

Then Nabire Regency 114 people, Mappi 104 people, Paniai 85 people, Keerom 64 people, Tolikara 43 people, Supiori 42 people and Lanny Jaya Regency 30 people.

It is true that there has been a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in Papua, so people are expected to comply with health protocols to suppress the spread of the virus, Sumule hoped.

Admittedly, due to an increase in cases, especially in Jayapura City, many patients were forced to be treated outside the emergency room, as happened at the Jayapura Regional Hospital.

This increase causes the need for oxygen to increase quite rapidly, even almost depleting because of the large number of patients who need it.

Grateful at a critical time, one of the patient's family, Kris Bonsapia, helped retrieve the oxygen cylinder from the distributor.

"Praise God, Mr. Kris wants to help take oxygen cylinders to the distributor, considering that many patients need it while many health workers are exposed, reaching 30 people including two specialist doctors," said dr. Silwanus who also serves as Deputy Director of the Jayapura Hospital.