Case Number Crosses Million Mark

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Funeral with the Covid-19 protocol at the Bambu Wulung Public Cemetery (TPU), Cipayung, East Jakarta, Wednesday (27/1/2021).

Shortly after entering the year 2021, the number of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia keeps increasing. From 20-26 January, an average of 12,138 new cases were registered per day.

On Tuesday (26/1/2021), the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases passed the psychologically meaningful one-million mark with 1,012,350 cases, up from 999,256 cases on Monday (25/1).

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The increase in the number of cases was followed by a jump in the number of deaths. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths due to Covid-19 in Indonesia in the past week was the highest in Asia and 12th-highest in the world. This proves that the pandemic is getting out of hand. The situation could worsen if there are no decisive steps.

Perhaps, the increase in cases was the result of the holiday season that enticed people to travel, and because people are not disciplined in heeding health rules. The fact that there are people without symptoms makes the virus spread more easily, as people pass the virus on to those around them without even knowing it. Another cause is changes at the Health Ministry and increased awareness of local administrations to push for improved testing, tracing and isolation (TLI) so that more people infected with Covid-19 are detected.

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The one-million figure may have actually been passed some time ago. The number of cases would not be that high if, from the outset, there had been more testing and tracing of people who had contact with positive cases and if all positive patients had been isolated at special facilities. Also, strict and consistent implementation of health protocols and the enforcement of community activity restrictions (PPKM) are required.

Kompas/Priyombodo

Medical officers take a swab sample to be tested for Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from a baby at Puskesmas Selong, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Wednesday (27/1/2021).

We can learn from countries that have proven capable at controlling the pandemic, such as Vietnam and Cambodia. As developing countries, they realized that their testing capacity is not too high. Therefore, from the start, the two countries focused on implementing TLI, tightening the implementation of health protocols and limiting mobility. In Taiwan, the government carried out the same strict policies. Those who are stubborn are locked up. The ability to control the rate of virus transmission has resulted in high trust from the people.

For Indonesia, what is urgently needed is effective public communication to alert citizens, from officials to the grassroots, about the real conditions of the pandemic and what must be done to control it.

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The good news is that Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin is aware of the weaknesses in implementing the TLI and promises to optimize policy. Optimizing TLI is aimed at reducing the rate of transmission, along with vaccination efforts and strengthening the capacity of health facilities and personnel.

Now is the time for all parties to unite in implementing activity restrictions and health protocols firmly. There is no more room for people who do not believe in Covid-19 or are undisciplined. Thus, we can hope that the pandemic will soon subside and the wheels of the economy will turn again.

This article was translated by Kurniawan H. Siswoko.