Hopefully, we do not see what is happening in Korea and Iran, but we must prepare ourselves for the worst.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Former vice president Jusuf Kalla called on the Indonesian government to prepare for the worst-case scenario to address the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) to curtail the number of patients in the event of an outbreak.

"Hopefully, we do not witness what is occurring in Korea and Iran, but we must prepare ourselves for the worst," Kalla stated after attending the launch of a book written by Azyumardi Azra at the National Library Building in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Kalla affirmed that the government had taken the right steps to address coronavirus in accordance with its capability.

He called on the people to not panic in facing the spread of coronavirus following the government's announcement of the first two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country.

"The president has announced them properly. It is up to the public (to respond to the announcement). We now panic but we must remain vigilant and exercise caution," he stated.

In response to panic among people that spurred the purchase of goods and supplies in bulk for stockpiling, he forecast that the panic buying will only last for a week.

"I think it will last for a week. Nest week, the demand will decline since if they purchase (much) rice while their need does not change, then the panic will last for a week. They only bought rice in advance," he added. Related news: Deputy minister advises public against food stockpiling over COVID-19
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Translator: Fransiska Ninditya/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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