It is true that a decree (SK) from the DKI Jakarta Education Office is in place to utilize schools to serve as isolation locations as well as a place to rest for medical officers
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the Central Jakarta Task Force for Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, Irwandi, confirmed that schools facilities will be utilized for isolating patients infected with COVID-19 or coronavirus.

If the need arises, school facilities will also be utilized to accommodate medical workers. This is in accordance with the DKI Jakarta Education Office’s letter pertaining to the provision of accommodation and supporting facilities for handling patients infected with COVID-19.

"It is true that a decree (SK) from the DKI Jakarta Education Office is in place to utilize schools to serve as isolation locations as well as a place to rest for medical officers," Irwandi stated upon confirmation on Tuesday.

However, clarity had yet to be gained on the manner in which they would be carrying out the procedure. "From the city government’s point of view, we would just have to prepare and provide the facilities," he noted.

According to Irwandi, the DKI Jakarta Education Office had yet to divulge information on the use of schools as locations to conduct isolation of COVID-19 patients of certain criteria or categories.

Currently, COVID-19 patients are placed in three categories: People in Monitoring (ODP), Patients Under Supervision (PDP), and patients tested positive for COVID-19.

"An inquiry should be made with the DKI Jakarta Education Office on the matter pertaining to which category will be using the school facilities," he stated.

Irwandi believes that patients exhibiting mild symptoms or ODP and PDP might likely be kept at schools.

A similar statement was made by Chief of the Central Jakarta City Education Office region II Subaidah on the use of schools as facilities for handling the COVID-19 crisis.

"We are just providing facilities that can be used in school buildings. Should they be used, we seek help with the safety and maintenance of health codes of school residents, such as the cleaning and security officers working in schools," Subaidah noted.

A circular issued by the DKI Jakarta Education Agency on Monday Apr 20 stipulates the use of schools as accommodation for medical personnel and isolation for COVID-19 patients.

A copy of the Letter Number 4434 / -1,772.1, received by ANTARA, was signed by Head of the DKI Jakarta Education Agency Nahdiana.

Central Jakarta specifically is divided into two regions in the DKI Jakarta Education Agency data, and 37 schools have been registered to serve as emergency locations for handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the SMK Negeri 27 school in Sawah Besar is registered to accommodate medical personnel, in a room, with a capacity of 18 beds.

EDITED BY INE

Related news: MPR urges government to issue regulation banning Eid al-Fitr exodus

Related news: 356 Indonesians repatriated from Thailand after flights suspended


Translator: Livia Kristianti/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020