TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Monday, March 30, instructed that the use of rapid coronavirus test kits should be prioritized for medical workers, the medical worker's social circle, and people declared under COVID-19 monitoring.

"As for the rapid tests, I ask for it to be prioritized for medical workers and their family circle, and especially the people declared as persons under monitoring [ODP]," said the President during the opening of a meeting with the COVID-19 task force on Monday, March 30, 2020.

Apart from the rapid tests, the president also urged for supporting lab test equipment to be made readily available in regional labs when needed, especially following the complaints from many regional heads regarding this matter.

Jokowi asserted that providing protection for doctors and medical workers must take top priority. The President added that doctors, nurses, and other medical workers must be provided with adequate equipment and must be allowed to work in safety.

Back in March 23, 2020, President Jokowi said that the central government had distributed 165,000 personal safety equipment to a number of provinces hit by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"I want this issue [lack of medical equipment supply] to be closely monitored," the President stated.

EGI ADYATAMA