Testing Positive for Covid-19 Not End of the World: Indonesia Spokesperson Achmad Yurianto

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – It's not the end of the world if you test positive for Covid-19, National Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson Achmad Yurianto said, noting the improved health services in the country and the rise in recovery cases.

Achmad gave the reassurance as he reminded those who are Covid-19 confirmed cases to not worry.

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“If there’s a family member who is infected, testing positive, and requires hospitalization, please know that it is not the end of the world. Healthcare services are improving,” said Achmad during a discussion session in Jakarta on July 2.

“Don’t be fearful if a family member is sick. With improved health services, the number of recovery cases has also improved,” said Achmad.

A Covid-19 patient is considered to have recovered based on a polymerase chain reaction test that would indicate a negative result for carrying the coronavirus strain.

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As of July 2, there are 25,595 Covid-19 recovery cases.

However, the country’s Covid-19 fatality rate continues to rise. Between June 30 and July 1, 58 people died from the virus.

This brings the nationwide total of 2,934 Covid-19-related deaths as of July 1.

Achmad Yurianto mentioned that Indonesia’s recovery rate is 44 percent. It remains below the global recovery rate average of 55.6 percent.

He credited the country’s healthcare workers who have provided the best healthcare services to mitigate the Covid-19 virus.

“We are grateful that many have recovered because hospital care has improved and so has the attention directed to patients from hospitals. These are indicators of recovery,” he added.

Closer to 60,000 cases

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government’s latest tally of confirmed Covid-19 cases is 59,394.