Gov’t Makes Best Efforts to Handle Coronavirus Case

President Jokowi, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary, delivers a statement to the reporters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (3/3). Photo by: Ibrahim/PR.

The Government will use the best efforts to handle the coronavirus cases and prevent the outbreak, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said.

“Yesterday I have stated that that there were two patients who had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, which we now refer to as Case 1 and Case 2. The Government has also tracked everyone who had contact with these patients,” the President told the reporters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (3/3).

On that occasion, the President also called on the people to remain calm and vigilant and carry on their daily activities as usual.

The President added that the symptoms of the Covid-19 virus were similar to the flu and majority of patients in China, Japan, Iran, and Italy have been recovered.

President Jokowi also invited all people to pray for the coronavirus patients who are currently under medical treatment.

The President has also instructed Government ministers to remind the hospitals and government officials to avoid disrupting patients’ privacy.

“We must follow the code of ethics. The personal rights of the patients must be protected and (their personal information) should not be disclosed to the public. This is our ethics in communication,” the President added.

The President said that the press should also respect the patients’ privacy so that they could focus on recovery without experiencing psychological pressure.

At the end of the press statement, President Jokowi asked the people to prevent transmission of coronavirus by washing hands frequently.

“Do not touch your face before washing your hands. We should maintain personal hygiene and maintain our physical fitness to boost our immunity,” the President explained.

President Jokowi also called on the people to avoid buying a large quantity of daily needs. “The government guarantees the availability of staple food and drugs. The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) have confirmed the availability of staple food and drugs,” he added.

The President has instructed Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri) to take firm action against those who hoard face masks and resell them at the very high prices.

President Jokowi reiterated that the Government is committed to protecting the people from the coronavirus and will make its best efforts to handle the coronavirus cases. (TGH/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti