We found that the Japanese was in contact with two Indonesians, who later tested positive for the virus infection.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) confirmed, Monday, that the first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) had emerged in Indonesia, with two Indonesian nationals -- a 64-year-old mother and her 31-year-old daughter -- testing positive for the infection.
"Last week, we had received a report that a Japanese resident had travelled to Indonesia and then headed to Malaysia, and there he tested positive for coronavirus. Our team had tracked this person's activities when he was here," Jokowi stated in the company of Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto and State Secretary Minister Pratikno.
"We found that the Japanese was in contact with two Indonesians, who had later tested positive for the infection caused by the virus," he revealed.
However, Jokowi affirmed that his government had already made necessary preparations for the outbreak since the start.
"For instance, we have over 100 hospitals that are ready, with a good standard isolation process for coronavirus patients," he noted, adding that Indonesia had in place medical tools of international standards.
Jokowi also revealed that the government had set up a joint team comprising of military, police, and civilian members to manage the outbreak. Moreover, the standard operation is aligned with international standard and a special budget that is prioritized for this matter.
"This is since if we do not take serious measures in this connection, it would be very dangerous, as the disease really needs our attention," he added. Related news: Jakarta Govt to set up command post to monitor coronavirus
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Translator: Desca Lidya, Suwanti
Editor: Suharto
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