TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bogor Mayor Bima Arya tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from visits to Azerbaijan and Turkey. The city’s spokesperson for the new coronavirus mitigation Sri Nowo Retno said five Bogor administration officials underwent screenings following their sojourn in the virus-stricken countries.

Retno who is also the head of Bogor Health Agency elaborated that two of the five officials found to have contracted the coronavirus, including the mayor. “We have applied every prevailing protocol since the overseas visit,” she said in a press release on Friday, March 20.

Bima is treated at the isolation room in Bogor Regional Hospital for the next 14 days. “The mayor conducted the test on Thursday afternoon and came back positive,” Retno added.

Despite developing mild symptoms, Retno said Mayor Bima entrusted the handling of the isolation at the hospital. The city’s administration activities will run as usual under Deputy Mayor Dedie A Rachim. “Let’s pray for the soon recovery of the mayor,” she pinned hope.

According to Retno, Bima called on Bogor residents and the public in general to maintain hygiene and stay vigilant as well as have faith in the Almighty.

In addition to asking for prayers for the recovery of Mayor Bima Arya, Retno also requested prayers for all patients who were being treated so that they could recover soon. "The Mayor also always prays for the safety and health of his people."

MAHFUZULLOH AL MURTADHO