Presidential spokesman Fadjroel Rachman noted in a statement here on Saturday that the team will also stand guard at 132 reference hospitals, including 109 military hospitals, 53 police hospitals, and 65 state-owned hospitals.
"The team was established in accordance with the government's measured response (to the coronavirus outbreak)," he remarked.
The team, led by Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo and constituting personnel of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the police, and military intelligence, will trace the spread of the virus linked to clusters of coronavirus infection in the country.
"The quick response team is ready in terms of personnel, expertise, and operational system during an emergency situation," Rachman stated.
He also called on the people to increase personal and neighborhood hygiene.
"Also practice self-isolation when you experience any coronavirus symptoms. Call emergency number 119 when you need help for information or (ambulance) to pick you up," he stated.
As of Friday (March 13), the number of coronavirus patients had jumped to 69, of which five recovered while four died.
The first death was reported on March 2. Two other patients -- a 57-year-old woman (Case 35) and a 37-year-old woman (Case 36) -- died at Jakarta’s Sulianti Saroso Hospital for Infectious Disease.
Another patient -- a 59-year-old man -- died in the city of Solo in Central Java. Tests results that came out after the patients died showed they had COVID-19.
Among the 35 new cases announced on Friday were -- a three-year-old boy and two-year-old boy -- who had contracted the virus from their parents. Related news: Anies recommends public to restrict interactions amid COVID-19 spread
Related news: Baswedan invites 190 hospitals for coordination on corona prevention
Translator: Indra Arief P, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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