East Java sees a spike in COVID-19 cases

While Jakarta still has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia, East Java is unfortunately slowly catching up. As of 27th May 2020, East Java has reported over 4,000 cases.

The sudden rise in confirmed cases reported from the region has prompted President Joko Widodo to instruct the Indonesian Ministry of Health and COVID-19 task force to pay close attention to East Java, as reported by the Jakarta Globe.

East Java has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 updates as of 27th May 2020
COVID-19 updates in Indonesia as of 27th May 2020
Image credit: covid19.go.id

The soaring number of cases in several regions across Indonesia such as East Java, South South Sulawesi, South Kalimantan, South Sumatra, and as far east as Papua, has made Wiku Adisasmito, an infectious disease expert and a University of Indonesia professor of public health, concerned about talks of reopening the country. He notes that loosening social restrictions before cases drop by more than 50 percent within two weeks would not be safe.

List of 44 hospitals in East Java
List of hospitals in East Java for COVID-19 treatment
Image credit: checkupcovid19.jatimprov.go.id

Reported numbers of COVID-19 cases in Jakarta might be decreasing, but East Java’s alarming spike could potentially cause a second wave in the capital city as people who travelled there despite strong suggestions to stay home return following the Eid holidays.

East Java authorities continue to remain vigilant. The province currently has 44 hospitals that are prepared to treat COVID-19 patients.

Remain alert and maintain personal safety and hygiene measures

Since Indonesia is a large archipelago, it is hard to say when COVID-19 will be gone for good. But for the time being, it is extremely important that we stay alert and maintain safety and hygiene measures at home.

Though talks of loosening social restrictions are on the horizon, try to limit activities in public areas as much as possible.

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Cover image adapted from: liputan6.com

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