I have urged the health minister to oversee in detail steps such as applying a scanning system for every single arrival from outside this country, for anyone who could be infected
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has prompted Health Minister Terawan Agus Putrato (Terawan) to tighten monitoring of people and goods arriving from abroad to prevent the spread of the coronavirus which began in Wuhan City, China. "I have urged the health minister to oversee in detail steps such as applying a scanning system for every single arrival from outside this country, for anyone who could be infected," Jokowi remarked at Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Friday.

Until Friday afternoon, no Indonesian had been infected by this new coronavirus which has spread globally and recorded 26 deaths with 830 others being treated for the infection, the President stated.

"According to reports I have received, no one has been infected here and I hope there will not be anyone," he emphasized.

The government had already prepared some measures in this matter, including the installation of body thermal scanners at entry gates for the detection of people infected with the coronavirus, the Chief of Presidential Staff, Moeldoko said.

"I held discussions with the health minister concerning the long-term prevention measures and applying the body scanner is considered the best option for now," Moeldoko noted.

The government has not yet issued a travel advisory for Indonesians on visiting China, he added. (INE)

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Translator: Suwanti
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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