I think we should not panic, We know the government has tried its best. We know there has been coordination at a national level.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian appealed to the public to not panic in the midst of the current issue of coronavirus, or Covid-19.

"I think we should not panic. We know that the government has tried its best. We are aware of a national-level coordination," he noted in a press statement released on Tuesday.

The minister also called on the people to bolster their immune system by exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle to avoid contracting the Covid-19 infection.

"Preventive activities are especially aimed at strengthening the body's resistance. It is important to exercise, as low body resistance can ease the entry of the virus. If the body's resistance is high, it does not allow the virus to enter the body," he expounded.

Indonesia, a tropical nation located along the Equator, has numerous advantages owing to its relatively warm temperature.

The public can benefit from the country’s geographical condition to get some sun exposure in the morning to garner benefits

"Sun exposure, particularly in the mornings, should be done often. We should take a cue from our ancestors that the morning sun offers numerous advantages, especially vitamin D and so on. This means the virus cannot develop at certain high temperatures," he explained.

The public should also ensure the intake of healthy and nutritious food, including vegetables and fruits, and wash their hands with soap.

"The virus can be transmitted, especially through close contact with a patient. If you wash your hands with a soap or disinfectant, then there is no reason to panic," he stated.

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President Joko Widodo (Jonowi) had announced on Monday the country's first two confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto informed that day of two Covid-19 positive Indonesians being in good condition and not symptomatic with fever and shortness of breath.

"I have observed them and checked their condition. They are in good condition. They do not suffer from fever and shortness of breath. Nothing. They eat and communicate well," he informed journalists at the Jakarta-based Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The patients -- a 64-year-old mother and her 31-year-old daughter -- had contracted coronavirus from a Japanese national, who had visited Indonesia and was in close contact with them.

The Japanese citizen was confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection while in Malaysia, having left Indonesia.
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Translator: Boyke Ledy Watra/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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