Spokesman for the Riau Islands COVID-19 Task Force Tjetjep Yudiana stated in Tanjungpinang on Friday that of the COVID-19 patients recorded, most were from Batam City, reaching 17 people; followed by three in Tanjungpinang, 12 in Bintan District, seven in Karimun District, and two in Natuna.
The number of COVID-19 patients from Batam had decreased significantly as compared to last week, during which more than 40 people were recorded. The same trend was also observed in Karimun, Bintan, and Tanjungpinang.
Moreover, only two active cases of COVID-19 were detected in Natuna in the past two days.
"Today, there are two new additional cases in Batam and Natuna. However, at the same time, the number of patients that recovered reached 10, which is way more. There had been no deaths due to COVID-19," he remarked.
In Riau Islands, only two districts -- Anambas and Lingga Islands -- had zero active cases of COVID-19, Yudiana remarked.
Anambas Islands had been designated as a green zone, which meant the area was safe from COVID-19. Lingga, on the other hand, would potentially be tagged as a green zone soon, as no active cases were recorded there for over a month.
"After new cases emerged in Natuna, only Anambas and Lingga remain (the ones) with no active cases," he added.
Head of the Riau Islands Health Office, Muhamad Bisri, reminded residents to exercise discipline in following health protocols. One must still use masks during interactions and at crowded places despite the dramatic decline in the number of active cases.
According to a research conducted by the Health Ministry, on average, patients were infected with Omicron, a variant of COVID-19. This virus was much more contagious, though not dangerous, especially for people, who had been vaccinated.
"You have to stay cautious, protect yourself with a mask, and clean your hands (often)," he reminded.
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Translator: Nikolas Panama, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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