"The number of Apau Kayan residents, who have tested positive for COVID-19, reaches 361. The virus has spread through close contact."
Tarakan, N Kalimantan (ANTARA) - A total of 361 people in the hinterland of North Kalimantan Province bordering Malaysia were exposed to the coronavirus, according to an official.

"The number of Apau Kayan residents, who have tested positive for COVID-19, reaches 361. The virus has spread through close contact," Head of the North Kalimantan Provincial Health Office Usman stated on Saturday.

The residents came in close contact while attending a wedding party and funeral ceremony, Usman noted.

"A team of medical personnel from the Malinau district government and North Kalimantan provincial government were sent to the location," he remarked.

The 19-member medical team departed for the area aboard a pioneer flight and brought with them medical equipment and drugs, he confirmed.

Moreover, a team of personnel from the North Kalimantan Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) traveled to the area to distribute face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), Usman noted.


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At least eight Apau Kayan residents have died, Chief of the North Kalimantan Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) Norhayati Andris confirmed without giving details on the cause of death.

"I have received a report that eight Apau Kayan residents have died," Andris stated.

The DPRD chief urged the COVID-19 response task force to investigate whether the coronavirus that spread in the area is a new variant on account of its swift transmission.

"I am concerned about the residents there. Pioneer flight is the only mode of transportation to reach the area near (the Indonesia-Malaysia) borders," she stated.


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Translator: Susylo Asmalyah/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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