TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's spokesman for the Covid-19 Response Team, Achmad Yurianto, said that young people have a huge potential to become carriers of the novel coronavirus that causes the disease. They can unknowingly give the disease to the elderly.

"Healthy-looking young people, in a number of cases, can actually be the carrier of SARS-CoV-2 microorganism. They then transfer the virus to older people. If we are infected and we do not self-isolate, this is a problem that causes rapid spreading," Yuri said in a press release, Tuesday, March 24.

Young men and women who are infected may feel and appear well. When they travel, they directly and indirectly carry the disease to the neighborhood they visit, giving it to the elderly.

Yurianto said that these young people are not immune. They are infected, but asymptomatic. This is a factor that causes the rapid spread of Covid-19.

He appeals to everyone, including those who are feeling healthy, to obey the government's restriction and stay home, self-isolating.

"Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary," he said.

Yurianto said that Covid-19 spreads when a healthy person came into contact with an infected person's droplets through coughs or sneezes. The droplets could be airborne, and so it is very important to maintain a distance of at least one meter with other people.

"We remind you to maintain a distance during social interaction; no less than one meter apart. It is important to avoid crowds. Meetings bring many people together, creating an opportunity for transmission of this disease," he added.

He also reminded that the droplets can stay on inanimate objects that healthy people may accidentally touch—allowing the virus to transfer. The virus then enters the body when touching their face or through their respiratory system if they do not wash their hands.

Therefore, Yurianto said, it is important for everyone to follow the health protocols established by the government.

People who can work from home are asked not to leave their houses except for getting food or medical supplies.

"For those who cannot work from home, please be careful," he said.

Ahmad Faiz Ibnu Sani