Health Ministry, Regional Gov’t to Anticipate Surge of COVID-19 Cases Post Year-End Holidays

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin delivers a press statement at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/12/2020). (Photo by: Rahmat / PR)

The Government has announced it is preparing measures to anticipate a surge in the spread of the COVID-19 post year-end holidays.

“We want to ensure that all health infrastructures in all major cities with high infection rates are ready and we’ll work hard on this year’s holiday to ensure that they are ready,” said Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin in a press statement, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/12).

Budi also pointed out that Ministry of Health is also partnering with regional governments to anticipate the surge.

“Ministry of Health, in partnership with regional governments, is taking measures to ensure that our hospitals are ready and have sufficient isolation space, hospital beds, and intensive care unit (ICU). Likewise, doctors, nurses, medicines, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are ready,” he said.

Budi also appealed to people who are on vacation or intend to take a vacation to reduce mobility for five to ten days after a long holiday to reduce infection.

Regarding the possibility of new strain of the virus in the country, the Minister said that whole genome sequencing is needed to detect the virus, adding that the Ministry will work with Ministry of Research and Technology to do further research.

“We’ll partner with several labs across the country and Minister of Research and Technology to exchange information and work processes. We’ll also ensure that referral hospitals with COVID-19 patients send their samples regularly to this lab network,” he said.

The Minister also said the Government would make sure to carry out genome sequencing on a routine basis to check if new strains persist and would always join hands with international labs to see and find out the patterns of the virus spread worldwide.

The public, he added, is also urged to be disciplined in implementing health protocols, namely wearing a face mask, washing hands regularly, and maintaining a safe distance,” he said. (MAY/UN) (MUR/EP)