Gov’t to Disseminate COVID-19 Information Based on Case Data Analysis

Spokespersons of COVID-19 Working Committee dr. Reisa and Prof. Wiku give a press statement at the President’s Office, Jakarta, Friday (24/7). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

Dissemination of COVID-19 information will contain education for the public through analysis of case data, spokesperson of COVID-19 Working Committee Wiku Adisasmito has said.

“The Working Committee will no longer report daily data through press conferences. However, all daily data updates on existing cases are delivered through www.covid19.go.id/peta-sebaran,” Wiku said Friday (24/7).

The public and media may access information regarding the latest situation through the website, he added.

“The data will be announced every day at 4 pm and this depends on data transmission from Ministry of Health that verifies all the incoming national data,” he said.

Furthermore, these data in the future will be accessible to the public in real time and the data will not differ between national and regional data, he said.

“There is no intention to cover up the data. Let us encourage public transparency and let the public take control if there are conditions that are not in accordance with the actual situation,” he said.

Regarding development of COVID-19 positive cases in the country, Wiku continued, as of July 23, the number of positive cases has stood at 1,906 – lower compared to that of the previous week at 1,282.

The highest number of cases occurred on 9 July amounting to 2,657 cases.

Wiku also pointed out that the maximum death rate in July dropped to 5.08 percent, while the average death rate was 4.86 percent.

“We are close to the world’s average death rate, which is 4.2 percent,” he added.

The declining death rate, according to Wiku, is due to better COVID-19 case management at hospitals. Meanwhile, the number of isolation rooms has now risen to 23,519, while the number of isolation beds has also risen to 188,510 in 839 COVID-19 referral hospitals across the country.

“More health workers are now having adequate knowledge of COVID-19 handling. The number of referral hospitals has also now risen to 839 hospitals in Indonesia,” he said.

Recovery rate from positive cases at the national level, according to Wiku, from March to July also saw a rise from an average of 3.84% in March, 9.79% in April, 21.97 % in May, 37.19% in June, and 47.08% in July.

To date, on July 23, the recovery rate stood at 55.7%, he added.

“We must be optimistic but remain vigilant. If patients under self-isolation see their condition worsen, they should immediately go to the hospital before it is too late,” he said, adding that although the situation has improved, the public should remain disciplined by complying with health protocols, such as wearing a face masks,  practicing social distancing, and washing hands regularly.

“We must continue to comply with health protocols. This is an investment for us all Indonesian people to stay productive and safe from COVID-19,” he said. (MAY/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas