"The count of COVID-19 cases in Central Lombok has dropped," Head of the Central Lombok Health Service Suhardi noted on Wednesday.
Based on the data recorded, the total number of positive COVID-19 patients being treated reached 257 from January to February, while 141 patients recovered and 12 people succumbed to the disease.
"Those still being treated are only three percent, or four patients," Suhardi stated.
He attributed the decline in the number of additional cases of COVID-19 patients to the acceleration in vaccination coverage, thereby creating stronger immunity in the community.
In addition, the increase in public awareness to implement health protocols also caused the decline in additional cases of COVID-19.
"Many factors, such as vaccination, health protocols, and weather change, have contributed to the decline in cases," he noted.
According to Suhardi, the number of residents in Central Lombok that had received the first dose of vaccination reached 706,429 people, or 91 percent, while people, who had been fully vaccinated, totaled 598,531, or 77 percent.
"Meanwhile, the booster vaccine coverage reached only 1.91 percent. We will continue to encourage people to participate in the booster vaccination," he remarked.
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Suhardi also appealed to the public to continue to implement health protocols despite a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases.
"Health protocols must not be relaxed. People must continue to wear masks," he emphasized.
Public Relations of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force at the Praya Regional General Hospital, Dr. Yuda Permana, noted that of the 257 positive patients confirmed by the PCR swab, a sharp decline was observed in the first week of March, with some 161 patients, or 62 percent.
"Thank God, entering the first week of March, the decline in cases was very sharp, and the Bed Occupancy Ratio (BOR) was below 10 percent. Only four beds were occupied," he affirmed.
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Translator: Akhyar Rosidi, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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