"Based on the results of an epidemiological study that we have conducted, the virus transmission pattern in Pasar Raya was found to spread up to the fourth line, while in other areas, the spread could be interrupted," Head of Padang Health Office Ferimulyani Hamid said in here on on Sunday.
She explained, the findings of the coronavirus transmission cases at Pasar Raya Padang began from tracing the contact history of one COVID-19 patient being treated at M Djamil Hospital Padang.
Based on the results of the tracing of the contact history, there were three family members of these patient who worked at Pasar Raya Padang and the examination showed that all three tested positive for COVID-19.
"Later, the three people transmitted the virus to workers of neighboring shops, then the workers also transmitted to other people while interacting like when they were having lunch," she explalined.
The Padang Health Office has recommended a temporary closure of Pasar Raya to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
"Ideally, it should be closed for 14 days in accordance with the virus infection period, so there should be no movement of people and no contact with the source of transmission," Feri said.
The Health Office had traced the contact history of 17 people who were infected with the COVID-19 in Pasar Raya Padang and diagnosed up to 100 people who had interacted with them.
Of the 17 confirmed COVID-19 patients from the Pasar Raya in Padang, three had died, four waited for the results of the second testing to ensure recovery, and the rest were still undergoing quarantine in hospitals or health care centers.
Disinfectant spraying was carried out in the Pasar Raya and surrounding areas to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.
Previously, the Mayor of Padang Mahyeldi stated that the Pasar Raya was categorized as a red zone of the coronavirus transmission and social distancing was imposed to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Based on the data of the Padang Municipality Administration, Padang as of April 18, recorded 48 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with the death toll reached six, and recoveries eight.
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Translator: Ikhwan W, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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