Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. (Photo courtesy of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency)
DECEMBER 01, 2020
Jakarta. Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan confirmed on Tuesday he has tested positive for coronavirus, following report that his deputy was also infected by the virus.
Anies said he underwent a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on Monday and the result came back positive Tuesday morning.
He took the test a day after Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria announced he had contracted the highly contagious disease.
Both men drew controversy early last month for failing to prevent Rizieq Syihab, the leader of hardline group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), from holding a wedding party for his daughter and organizing other events that attracted thousands of people in disregard for physical distancing rules. Rizieq arrived last month after spending two years in Saudi Arabia.
Anies claimed he didn’t develop any symptoms.
“After consulting doctors, I will self-isolate and take the medication as recommended,” he said in a vidoe message.
He added he will not quarantine at home, but at a separate place where he will “stay alone”.
“To anyone who has had a contact with me in the last few days, I encourage them to take the swab test at the nearest health center. The Health Department team will also trace ny contacts and employ all the necessary procedures,” he added.
Anies said he will continue working remotely from his quarantine place.
“I will continue to hold meetings virtually. We have been accustomed to virtual meetings since March so the decisions making process won’t be affected,” he said.
His office and that of his deputy are temporarily closed for disinfection works.
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