Amidst the difficulties in accessing health services like it is at present, self-isolating residents need more attention and care. The impact can be fatal if they are neglected.
By
Abdullah Fikri Ashri/ Mahcradin Wahyudi Ritonga/Cornelius Helmy
·4 minutes read
Kompas/Hendra A Setyawan
While undergoing self-isolation at home, Galang Rajendriya could not be separated from the device in his hand. The boredom of undergoing isolation is filled with playing online games and watching live football broadcasts at his home in Pamulang, South Tangerang, Banten, Friday (2/7/2021).
A titillating message was uploaded to the @thegoodlife_bdg Instagram account on Monday (21/6/2021), about a discount for those self-isolating for Covid-19.
“Business is not just about cuan (profit), especially in times like this. For all of you in isoman (self-isolation), we cheer you up with snacks. Just pay 25K, which includes the delivery fee.”
The message was spread for more than two weeks by The Goodlife, a food stall in Dago, Bandung city, West Java. Around 30 packages have been sent to consumers. “Covid-19 has impacted many people, including this stall. Business may stagnate, but we don\'t want to stay silent. We want to help,” said Goodlife owner Sari Asih, 47.
The eatery is offering discounts of up to 50 percent for mainstay menus such as chicken cream soup with toast, quiche pesto with salad, and Lebanese breakfast.
This narrative on sharing is the continuation of a previous program. Last year, Asih distributed food packages to health workers with Parti Gastronomy, a group of food enthusiasts based in Bandung.
"Now is the moment for sharing," she said.
Sesilia Soewartini, 56, also wanted to share her concern for nearby residents in self-isolation through food. The residents of Cimenyan, Bandung regency, have always been willing to help whenever someone needs food delivered.
Since the start of the pandemic, Soewartini has served more than 20 people who were in self-isolation for a duration of 1-2 weeks. Every day, she delivers food to customers’ houses starting from 7 a.m.
Kompas
Screenshot of price cuts for residents undergoing Covid-19 self-isolation from The Goodlife Bandung.
Soewartini is aware of the risks, so she never forgets to wear a mask. She discusses with her customers where she should place the food so they do not have to meet in person.
“Every time I cook and deliver food, I pray that it is according to [customers’] taste. As long as they eat, the residents who are self-isolating will be physically strong," she said.
By visiting the houses of self-isolating residents, she helps raise awareness in the local area that people with Covid-19 do not need to be shunned. In principle, the residents should avoid any risk of infection, but they do not need to stay away from people who are infected.
Followed by other residents
The efforts of Dedhez Anggara, 36, and Lastri Mulyanti, 35, have also encouraged more people to demonstrate care for those in self-isolation. In Indramayu, West Java, the two distribute vitamins and masks to the elderly and underprivileged residents.
They were motivated to help self-isolating residents in early June, when the two residents of Pabean Udik village in Indramayu district became disturbed by their neighbors’ chatter. "’Why self-isolation at home? Not at the hospital? It\'s scary,’" Dedhez said, recalling the neighborhood women.
Dedhez was jolted into action. She was sure that no one wanted to contract the coronavirus. She then took 2 kilograms of rice, one pack of masks, and three strips of vitamins to deliver to her neighbor who was self-isolating. The other residents who had been gossiping spotted the parcel.
“After learning that it was for the neighbor in self-isolation, the women immediately contributed eggs, snacks, and sugar. They were anxious because they hadn’t gotten enough information on Covid-19," she recalled.
Kompas
A number of residents seek treatment at the Pondoh Health Center, Juntinyuat District, Indramayu Regency, West Java, Monday (29/6/2020). The health center implements health protocols, tracking and early detection of Covid-19 cases.
Lastri had a similar experience when she gave vitamins to dozens of self-isolating residents in Karangsong district. Several other neighbors took her cue. "At the beginning, they didn\'t care much, now they share with each other," said Lastri, who prepares free healthy lunches for dozens of elderly residents every Friday.
Amidst the difficulties in accessing health services like it is at present, self-isolating residents need more attention and care. The impact can be fatal if they are neglected.
West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said that self-isolating residents would be given the same attention. A budget of Rp 140 billion had been allocated to meet the need for medicinal drugs and supplements among Covid-19 patients in self-isolation. The fund was reallocated from the budget for 11 infrastructure projects.
Drugs and supplements can also be requested online at pikobar.jabarprov.go.id/isoman. Self-isolating people can also consult doctors through telemedicine apps.
Ardi, 38, who lives in Jatiwangi district of Majalengka regency, has benefited from the public service. After filling out a request form, he received the medicines he ordered on July 8.
“When I [tested] positive [for Covid-19], I searched for a hospital room for three days and three nights. Because we couldn\'t find any, we had to stay at home. Hopefully, there will be more online health services that we can access from home," he said.
