At a virtual coordination meeting with the Task Force across West Papua in Manokwari on Tuesday, Monardo pointed out that the number of COVID-19 cases in this province was not as high as the other regions.
Moreover, death toll from COVID-19 in the area was low, at only four, or 1.5 percent of the total positive cases confirmed, he remarked.
"Based on the explanation from the governor from 13 districts and cities, nine regions have been exposed, with the total number of positive confirmed cases reaching 265. Of that figure, 184 people had recovered, while only four had died," Monardo noted.
According to Monardo, deaths from the virus only occurred in one area, while 12 regions managed to prevent and handle the pandemic until the death rate touched zero.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s head stated that West Papua Province had also managed to maintain the green zone in the four regions of Maybrat District, Tambrauw, South Sorong, and Arfak Mountains. Since the pandemic struck until now, no positive cases were reportedly confirmed in these four regions.
"Furthermore, the two regions of South Manokwari District and Bintuni Bay are currently inching towards being designated as green zones. In these two regions, all patients had recovered, and no new cases were found for almost a month," he stated.
Monardo is optimistic that efforts would be ramped up to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in the six districts, so that they can remain in the green zone.
Furthermore, Monardo is upbeat about the West Papua COVID-19 task force stepping up coordination for handling the pandemic, both with the national and district and city task forces. The task force’s synergy at every level is one of the keys to successfully managing the epidemic.
"We want that the manner in which the COVID-19 pandemic was handled in West Papua sets an example for the entire nation since despite having been quite successful in controlling the spread of the virus, it must be maintained," he affirmed. Related news: COVID-19 testing increased in West Papua for new normal era
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Translator: Toyiban, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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