IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the government is monitoring 19 regions following an increased trend of COVID-19 cases.
Among them, said Budi, are Fakfak Regency in Papua and Purbalingga Regency in Central Java, which experienced an increase in positive cases for four consecutive weeks.
“Even though the number is still small, we are monitoring these areas so we will not be late if there is a significant increase,” said Budi in an online press conference, Monday, November 22.
North Lampung in Lampung Province also recorded an increase for three consecutive weeks, while 16 other regencies/cities logged a case hike for the past two weeks. “So there are 19 regencies/cities under our close monitoring. We carry out strict surveillance,” Budi added.
Based on the Health Ministry’s investigation, the hike in COVID-19 cases was attributable to the declining contact tracing and testing.
“So we urge all regional heads, regents, and mayors to increase and maintain the discipline in launching testing and tracing. This is vital to prevent new waves,” Budi Gunadi asserted.
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DEWI NURITA
