"In general, the 13 priority provinces have been able to control the weekly count of positive cases. However, the biggest challenge lies in restraining the weekly (COVID-19) deaths. With early treatment of COVID-19 patients, we can record higher potential of recoveries," the task force spokesman, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito, noted in a statement here on Friday.
The 13 priority provinces are North Sumatra, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Papua, Bali, Aceh, West Sumatra, Riau, and East Kalimantan.
The provinces were monitored from various aspects, such as the number of active cases, recoveries, deaths, and condition in the respective provinces, Adisasmito noted.
Three provinces recorded an increase in the number of positive cases from October 26 to November 1, as compared to the previous week on October 19-25, with Papua, at 8.2 percent; West Sumatra, 7.8 percent; and North Sumatra, 2.9 percent.
The number of deaths rose in six provinces, with Papua registering a 350-percent rise; 120 percent increase in South Sulawesi, 27.3 percent in East Kalimantan, 17.6 percent in North Sumatra, 5.6 percent in Aceh, and 2.7 percent in West Sumatra.
"This data is quite distressing," Adisasmito noted.
The spokesman applauded provinces that had successfully reduced the weekly count of new positive cases, specifically the percentage having declined to 67.5 percent in Aceh, 32.6 percent in Riau, and 32.5 percent in Bali. Some provinces registered a reduction in the number of new deaths. The percentage dropped to 65 percent in West Java, declined to 34.6 percent in Bali, and decreased to 19.7 percent in Jakarta.
Some provinces of North Sumatra, Jakarta, Central Java, East Java, South Sulawesi, Papua, Aceh, and West Sumatra recorded a declining trend of deaths.
The provinces of West Java, South Kalimantan, Bali, Riau, and East Kalimantan recorded an increasing trend of deaths.
"The highest increase was recorded in East Kalimantan, from 1.49 percent on September 27 to 3.42 percent on November 1," Adisasmito stated.
Bali also recorded an increase in the number of COVID-19 deaths, from 2.97 percent on September 27 to 3.29 percent on November 1.
"Despite this declining trend, COVID-19 deaths continue to be our prime concern until we can witness zero deaths," he emphasized.
The task force has urged all provinces to intensify coronavirus testing and tracing mechanisms to lower the death percentage.
The recovery trend in 13 priority provinces has shown positive development during the period from September 27 to November 1.
"The highest recovery was recorded in South Sulawesi, from 74.06 percent on September 27 to 90.09 percent on November 1," he pointed out.
North Sumatra also recorded a positive trend of recovery, from 64.19 percent to 81.66 percent during the period.
The task force has been concerned and observant of the situation in Papua, especially Jayapura City, that recorded the highest death count, while the recovery rate has declined, from 62.8 percent on September 27 to 51.31 percent on November 1.
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Translator: Aditya R, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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