The increase in Covid-19 infection has made hospitals, not only in Jakarta but also in other cities, unable to accommodate the flood of new patients. Supplies of oxygen and drugs are running low.
By
kompas editor
·3 minutes read
These days we keep hearing news about people we know, including close relatives, falling sick with or dying from Covid-19. Confirmed cases continue to increase in number.
Health workers and hospitals are overwhelmed. Data from the official Covid-19 website (covid19.go.id) show 4,824 new cases of Covid-19 on 1 June. A month later on 1 July, the daily tally was 24,836 cases. On 8 July, it skyrocketed to 38,391 cases. The daily Covid-19 death toll also continues to rise. On 8 July, there were 852 deaths. It is estimated that the actual number of infections and fatalities is higher, but have not been detected.
The increase in Covid-19 infection has made hospitals, not only in Jakarta but also in other cities, unable to accommodate the flood of new patients. Supplies of oxygen and drugs are running low. At least one hospital has run out of oxygen.
To reduce community mobility and the burden on health facilities, people with mild Covid-19 symptoms are asked to self-isolate. The Health Ministry has issued Guidelines for Telemedicine Health Services During the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In collaboration with hospitals, health centers, clinics, private practices, medical laboratories, and pharmacies, diagnoses and drugs are delivered to patients with mild symptoms and no comorbidities through online health service companies. However, sometimes those measures don\'t work. As a result, ambulances continue to transport patients with worsening symptoms.
The most important thing is early prevention to reduce the number of cases by breaking the chain of transmission. There are many people who still do not believe that Covid-19 exists, especially among groups with low education and low socioeconomic status. They believe that Covid-19 is just a trick. Education and communication on Covid-19 must receive greater attention.
Even though the government has reportedly coordinated with people down to the neighborhood unit (RT) administrative level, in reality, many people still do not understand how to prevent infection and do not even believe that Covid-19 exists. People still organize celebratory events and invite many people. Some market traders don\'t wear face masks, or wear them incorrectly, and refuse diagnostic tests if they are showing symptoms because they fear "dikoronakan" (infected with the coronavirus). There are also people who refuse vaccination.
Intercepting motorists on the road and telling them to wear masks only creates resistance.
The government needs to be more active in embracing and involving community and religious leaders. Intercepting motorists on the road and telling them to wear masks only creates resistance.
Education needs to be intensified through places of worship, also in collaboration with close and trusted members of the community using the local vernacular, so that information is easier to understand and digest. This would prevent the repeat of incidents like those that occurred in Bangkalan, Madura, where local residents resisted health workers and security forces during testing and tracing.
All ministries and regional heads must ensure the education and supervision of their communities, which is part of their duties. This includes ensuring the implementation of the “work from home” policy for nonessential businesses, limiting trading hours, closing tourist attractions and implementing the health protocols in all places.
(This article was translated byKurniawan Siswoko).