This calls for comprehensive cooperation from both the government and the public in applying health protocols, so that medical and health workers can continue to fulfill their important duties without risking their livesJakarta (ANTARA) - Latest data from the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Executive Committee Mitigation Team indicated that the number of doctors dying of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rose to 136.
According to an IDI press release received in Jakarta on Thursday, in the past week, four doctors died from the infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
IDI stated that the doctors succumbing to COVID-19 comprised 69 general practitioners including four professors and 63 specialists, including five professors, and two residents or specialist doctors, who were on placement assignments.
The death toll of doctors succumbing to the COVID-19 infection were: 32 in East Java; 23 in North Sumatra; 19 in DKI Jakarta; 12 in West Java; nine in Central Java; six in South Sulawesi; five in Bali; four each in South Sumatra, South Kalimantan, Riau, and Aceh; three in East Kalimantan; two each in Riau Islands, Yogyakarta, West Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, and Banten; and one in West Papua.
Deputy Chairman of the PB IDI Mitigation Team Dr Ari Kusuma Januarto, SpOG (K) pointed to the increasingly worrisome trend of medical personnel and health workers continuing to succumb to COVID-19.
"This calls for comprehensive cooperation from both the government and the public in applying health protocols, so that medical and health workers can continue to fulfill their important duties without risking their lives," he affirmed.
"We not only look out for the people’s well-being, but we also want this pandemic to pass quickly. This situation will never be brought under control in the absence of full cooperation from the community as the frontline," he emphasized.
Head of the Guidelines and Health Protocols Team for the PB IDI Mitigation Team, Dr Eka Ginanjar, SpPD-KKV, stated that several residents had yet to optimally implement health protocols as was reflected in failing to wear masks properly, congregating without wearing masks, rarely washing hands, and neglecting to change clothing after engaging in outdoor activities.
Ginanjar highlighted the significance of abiding by health protocols to avoid the risk of transmission of the virus from people having contracted COVID-19 but were asymptomatic or only experiencing mild symptoms.
"In fact, virus carriers, who feel fine and usually have never tested for COVID-19, then conduct activities outdoors by ignoring health protocols and transmit COVID-19 to other vulnerable people," he explained.
"People experiencing flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild in nature, should not underestimate it. Avoid gathering and immediately undergo a COVID-19 test. In several cases, people do not yet believe in the existence of COVID-19 at this time," Ginanjar stated.
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Translator: Aditya R, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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