Combine PCR Testing with Self Quarantine

The prevention of Covid-19 transmission will be more effective if basic health policies are enforced, including tightening health protocols; increasing testing, tracing, quarantine; and expanding vaccination coverage.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

Workers repair an electronic public service board that is broadcasting information about the dangers of Covid-19 in the Jalan Jenderal Sudirman area, South Jakarta, Friday (10/8/2021). In the midst of the decline in new cases of Covid-19 in Indonesia, the public is advised to remain vigilant.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — A number of the western coastal areas of Central Java, which previously had zero cases of Covid-19, have again recorded new cases. By and large, the new cases have been identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which have become a travel requirement under certain circumstances.

This situation means that mandatory PCR testing for air, land and sea transportation needs be accompanied by quarantine discipline. The prevention of Covid-19 transmission will be more effective if basic health policies are enforced, including tightening health protocols; increasing testing, tracing and quarantine; and expanding vaccination coverage.

The western coastal areas of Central Java where new cases of Covid-19 were discovered included Tegal regency, which recorded zero cases on Monday (18/10/2021). After three days of “Covid-19-free” status, five new cases were found. Tegal Regency Health Office acting head Hendadi Setiaji said the five cases were unrelated to each other.

“Four new cases were discovered when the residents underwent a PCR test as a requirement for traveling out of town. The four of them were self-isolating in their respective homes," said Hendadi on Tuesday (26/10).

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Another case was detected at the Harapan Anda Islamic Hospital. The patient had been hospitalized for another illness but complained of Covid-19-like symptoms. The patient underwent a PCR test and was found positive for Covid-19.

Two new Covid-19 cases were also detected in Pekalongan city on Saturday (23/10). The city had zero cases of Covid-19 from 20 Oct. to 22 Oct. Like in other regions, the new cases were discovered through swab testing as a requirement for traveling outside the region.

KOMPAS/SAIFUL RIJAL YUNUS

Buyers and sellers without wearing masks at Mandonga Market, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Tuesday (26/10/2021). The government's handling is also getting slack along with the decline in cases.

Less effective

Indonesian Association of Public Health Experts (IAKMI) chairman Ede Surya Darmawan said that when the public was required to take a PCR test without mandatory quarantine after testing, it became less effective. "We never know the risks that occur after the PCR test is carried out," said Ede.

After the PCR test, for example, 48 hours before departure, prospective passengers can carry out activities that put them at risk of being infected. After undergoing PCR testing, prospective passengers should be disciplined and undergo self-quarantine.

We never know the risks that occur after the PCR test is carried out.

Furthermore, he said, health protocols through the the 3M policy of social distancing, washing hands and wearing masks, as well as 3T policy of testing, tracing and isolation and vaccination were the most effective at reducing the rate of Covid-19 transmission. This effort may also be able to prevent the occurrence of the third wave.

Ede added that the PCR Covid-19 testing was actually intended for epidemiological examinations, not for screening. PCR tests are typically carried out on people who have Covid-19 symptoms or who have had close contact with Covid-19 patients.

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Meanwhile, in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), air travel to other provinces is following provisions regarding health protocols in the destination regions. Travelers from outside NTT who have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine can simply bring the results of an antigen test 24 hours before travel. If they have only one dose, they must show the results of a PCR test, which will be considered valid for 72 hours before travel.

The head of the NTT Transportation Office, Isyak Nuka, said in Kupang that the province did not require residents to undergo PCR tests for air and sea travel between regencies or cities in the region. The reason was that Covid-19 cased had fallen consistently. In addition, the cost of PCR testing was considered burdensome for residents.

Separately, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the government had no plan to lower the price of PCR tests. With a price ceiling of Rp 900,000, it is already within the 25 percent least expensive PCR tests at airports around the world. The price, he said, could not be compared to India or China, which were capable of producing their own tools independently.

(XTI/KOR/AIN/TAM/VAN/TAN/PDS/WKM)

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.