New COVID-19 treatment facility in Jakarta
The COVID-19 pandemic has countries all over the world scrambling to manage this unprecedented global public health crisis. Indonesia is no exception, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise rapidly. As of today (23rd March 2020), 579 people in the country have tested positive, according to covid19.go.id.
Despite a significant decrease in public activity, people are worried about the spread of the virus and local authorities’ response to it. Many are wondering if mass testing can be done quickly enough and whether there are sufficient beds and equipment for those who need intensive treatment.
Former athletes’ village as an alternative to hospitals
Image credit: @setkabgoid
As is the case with other countries dealing with a high number of incoming patients needing immediate care, Indonesian hospitals do not have enough space, equipment, and sadly, medical staff.
The Jakarta Globe reports that 6 dedicated Indonesian doctors who contracted COVID-19 have passed away. Other healthcare workers are also vulnerable to illness due to long hours of being in direct contact with patients, as stated by CNN Indonesia.
Image credit: @setkabgoid
In response to all this, The Public Works and Housing Ministry (Kementerian Pekerjaan Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat) raced against time to transform the Kemayoran Athletes Village (Wisma Atlet Kemayoran) in North Jakarta into a COVID-19 treatment facility.
According to The Jakarta Post, four out of the ten towers that make up the athletes’ village, which was built to house athletes participating in the 2018 Asian Games hosted by Jakarta and Palembang, can hold over 20,000 patients.
The apartment facility is ready to take in COVID-19 patients as of 23rd March, 2020
President Joko Widodo announcing the distribution of personal protective equipment at a press conference on 23rd March, 2020
Image credit: @setkabgoid
Earlier today, President Joko Widodo stated that the new treatment facility is now ready to take in 3,000 COVID-19 patients. Even though the four towers have a maximum capacity of 24,000 people, the President hopes the situation won’t worsen to require full usage.
Ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) are also ready for use. The latter is extremely important to protect medical workers from the virus while they’re on the job.
President Joko Widodo’s press statement on 23rd March, 2020
Video credit: KompasTV
In the video above, President Joko Widodo addresses the scarcity of PPE since many countries are also rushing to secure enough for their own citizens. Fortunately, Indonesia has been able to get 105,000 pieces of PPE on Saturday, 21st March, 2020. Today, they will be distributed to hospitals across Indonesia.
Towards the end of his speech, President Joko Widodo also expressed gratitude to all the Indonesian medical workers who have been working tirelessly to treat patients. He added that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff working in affected regions will receive monthly financial aid of up to Rp. 15,000,000 (~USD903) from the government.
Keep track of the latest COVID-19 news
We have a part to play in slowing the progress of COVID-19. Stay home and avoid essential travel as much as possible, wash your hands thoroughly with soap as often as you can, and if you absolutely need to go out, wear a mask.
To keep yourself up to date with the latest COVID-19 news in Indonesia, click here.
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Cover image adapted from: @setkabgoid
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