We will work as hard as possible. Here our social solidarity is put to the test. Let us work together to overcome it by working hard and remaining calmJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has ordered Chief of the National Police General Idham Aziz to take stern measures against those stockpiling masks after the government announced the country's first two confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).
"I order the chief of the National Police to take stern measures against irresponsible parties who capitalize on a moment like this by stockpiling masks and selling them at higher prices," the President said in a press conference at the veranda of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. The President, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno asked speculators to be wary of the government's strict rules. He urged the speculators to stop profit-taking action under these current circumstances.
The government is ready to do as much as possible to protect the public against coronavirus, he said.
"We will work as hard as possible. Here our social solidarity is put to the test. Let us work together to overcome it by working hard and remaining calm," he said.
The country now has 50 million masks in stock, he said.
The President had announced Monday the country's first two confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Two COVID-19 positive Indonesians are in good condition and show no symptoms of fever and shortness of breath, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto stated.
"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: Hanni Sofia/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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