Resurgence of Covid-19 Cases in Indonesia’s Bali and Jakarta Prompts Govt Advice

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Covid-19 cases in Indonesia have drastically worsened since the final week of November, particularly in Bali and Jakarta.

The recent developments have prompted Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan to provide five key guidelines for the regional heads of Bali and Jakarta.

It should be noted that between November 25-30, Jakarta recorded 8,598 Covid-19 cases compared to a previous peak of 5,168 confirmed cases between October 28 and November 3.

On the other hand, Bali has seen 823 new infections between November 25-30 compared to 386 confirmed cases between October 28 and November 3.

Aside from his role as a Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut is the Deputy Chairman of the Covid-19 Response Acceleration Task Force and National Economic Recovery Task Force.

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The first guideline is to have regional heads of both areas prohibit mass gathering.

“I want us all to come to an agreement that there shall be no future gatherings whatsoever for some time.”

Secondly, Luhut has asked the Ministry of Health’s Directorate-General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment to inspect the stock of available drugs in Bali and Jakarta, respectively.

The objective of this measure is to prevent any patient from dying as a result of medication shortages.

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Another guideline offered amid surging Covid-19 cases in Indonesia is to ensure the capacity of ICU and isolation rooms at hospitals based in the two locations are sufficient for the care of Covid-19 patients.

The fourth piece of advice, specifically for Bali, is to have the regional government increase its isolation centers, especially in Tabanan.

“If the number of hotels is insufficient, then move it elsewhere. What is important is to separate the infected patient from their families that are still healthy.”

Luhut pointed out Jakarta’s Wisma Atlet building that is being used as isolation centers for Covid-19 patients in the capital city during which has operated smoothly.