"The patients had taken throat swab tests, but the results showing whether they tested positive or negative for COVID-19 have not been made available yet by the Health Ministry's laboratory," Retno revealed in a statement received by ANTARA here on Tuesday.
The two patients had suffered specific illness before being sent to the hospital, she said, adding that the number of patients placed under surveillance had increased from eight to 14 on Tuesday.
Two of them died while four others were discharged from the hospital. "So, there are still eight patients under surveillance who are currently hospitalized," Retno said.
As of Tuesday, 283 people have been put under surveillance, while six COVID-19 patients are being treated at the hospital's isolation wards, she added.
COVID-19, which initially struck the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of December, 2019, has killed at least 16,591 people and infected no less than 384,432 people in 195 countries and territories worldwide, according to media reports.
In Indonesia, the virus has infected at least 686 people and claimed 55 lives, while 30 persons have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.
Taking into account the rising death toll and the spread of the virus, the WHO has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic.
In Kota Metro, Lampung Province, a 2.4-year-old child has been admitted to a public hospital after presenting with flu, shortness of breath, along with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.
"The patient is under surveillance and currently being treated at the Jenderal Ahmad Yani Public Hospital's isolation room," head of the Kota Metro Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Task Force, Nasir AT MM, stated.
The toddler developed influenza, fever, and breathing difficulties after being taken to a city in West Java Province for a function, he remarked. (INE)
Related news: COVID-19: Indonesia's death toll rises to 55
Related news: Establish health coverage norms for coronavirus patients: President
Related news: Task force assures of protective gear supply for medical workers
Translator: Riza H, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
