COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson: Patients with Severe Symptoms Can Recover

Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Reisa Broto Asmoro (Photo by: BPMI/Presidential Secretariat)

COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms can recover through a proper handling, Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Reisa Broto Asmoro said.

“Provided that there are no more fever and respiratory problems within at least three days, for cases of patients with severe symptoms, patients can be moved to a non-isolation room before being discharged or being moved to inpatient care,” Reisa said in a press statement at the Presidential Office, Monday (28/9).

For those with mild and moderate symptoms, the spokesperson continued, they must be observed first and no longer show symptoms such as fever and respiratory problems before being discharged.

“If after receiving treatment at a health facility and it hasn’t reached 14 days, then the patient still has to undergo self-isolation at home. During the isolation, the patient should continue to limit activities and contact with other people,” Reisa said.

For asymptomatic patients, she said, the self-isolation can be declared complete after 10-14 days after being confirmed positive. The self-isolation must be applied with discipline, she added.

On the occasion, Reisa shared 7 tips for asymptomatic patients.

First, always wear a mask while undergoing isolation and wash your own cloth masks and if you use a single-use mask, immediately wrap and throw in the trash after use.

Second, if there are symptoms of illness such as fever, coughing and sneezing, stay in isolation and do not travel outside the house or do not leave the isolation area until the isolation period is completed.

Third, make the most of telemedicine facilities or online consultation with health experts. “Notify medical personnel about complaints, symptoms, and travel history and if there is contact with a person who is confirmed positive for COVID-19,” she said.

Fourth, while at home or in isolation, the room must be separated from other family members, always maintain a distance of 1 – 2 meters, and do not share the same eating utensils, toiletries, and bed with other family members. “Remember, wash your own utensils,” Reisa said.

Fifth, check body condition by measuring temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. “Spare time to go outside to the open space and bask in the sun every morning for 15-30 minutes,” she said

Sixth, implement a clean and healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and calm the mind and soul. “Practice good ethics of coughing and sneezing, namely by covering the nose and mouth using the inner elbow,” she said.

Seventh, maintain cleanliness and health at home as well as clean all surfaces with the right disinfectant. “If self-isolation cannot be carried out at home, the Government provides isolation facilities. Contact local health office or Task Force if you feel you need it,” Reisa said.

Reisa also called on the public to believe that COVID-19 patients can recover and to remain vigilant and not underestimate the disease.

“Prevention is much better, cheaper, and more convenient than treatment. Do remember that 3M (wearing face masks, maintaining a safe distance, and washing hands) is the best prevention, let’s stick together!” Reisa said. (UN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Muhardi