"The returning hajj pilgrims' antigen test results confirm that they have tested negative for COVID-19," Acting Head of the Bandarlampung Health Office Desti Mega Putri said here Sunday.
Despite this good news, she has appealed to workers at all public health centers in the city to conduct a thorough monitoring of the health condition of all returning hajj pilgrims for a stated period of time.
Thus, the monitoring is not merely conducted to those who test positive for the COVID-19 but also to all returning hajj pilgrims because they submit their health cards shortly after their arrivals, she said.
If the returning hajj pilgrims suffer mild symptoms of COVID-19, they are suggested to conduct a self-isolation, she added.
Meanwhile, to anticipate a surge in coronavirus infections, the Indonesian Government has prepared health screening guidelines for Indonesian hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.
According to the government's spokesperson for COVID-19 handling, Reisa Broto Asmoro, the screening would include body temperature checking through a thermal scanner and thermal gun, checking and observing pilgrims' symptoms and health condition at the Debarkation Hajj Dormitory.
The pilgrims showing symptoms such as fever or potential for infectious diseases would be taken for further examination and antigen swab tests, she said.
"If the results are positive, they will be referred to a centralized isolation facility for asymptomatic cases or mild symptoms. Meanwhile, those with moderate or severe symptoms will be referred to a COVID-19 referral hospital," Asmoro added.
The Religious Affairs Ministry has prepared 13 disembarkation points to welcome Hajj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia.
The 13 disembarkation points are in Aceh, Medan, Padang, Jakarta, Solo, Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, Makassar, Lombok, Batam, Surabaya, Palembang, and Bekasi.
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Translator: Dian H, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Sri Haryati
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