TEMPO.CO, South Tangerang - The acting head of South Tangerang Health Office, Deden Deni, confirmed that one resident was being observed in cases of infection with the COVID-19 as the person had just returned from Malaysia.

“We are monitoring the person because the latter has just returned from Malaysia and has a medical record of asthma. So we conduct an observation under the SOP and are consulting with Sulianti Saroso Hospital (RSPI),” said Deden, mentioning the referral hospital for coronavirus case in Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 4.

Deden explained that based on the SOP, his side would run the observation for the next 14 days, and the suspected patient would likely be rushed to the city's general hospital. “The patient returns from Malaysia since Feb. 20 as far as I know. The suggestion has been delivered to Ibu Mayor, we have observed and probably send [the patient] to South Tangerang Hospital,” he added.

Besides asthma, Deden went on, the patient also had bronchitis and worried to contract the novel coronavirus because of the previous trip to Malaysia.

“The observation will last for the next 14 days but the patient shows improvement and no longer use oxygen. Hopefully, the patient does not contract the virus,” Deden said.

At present, Deden said his staffers continue informing and educating the community in light of the COVID-19, as well as the prevention and what to do if there is a suspected patient in the area so that the public will not get panic.

MUHAMMAD KURNIANTO