TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Researcher for the Health Development Study and Consultation Institute, Halik Malik, said Friday that the large-scale social restriction (PSBB) protocol meant to break the coronavirus chain of transmission would be ineffective if not coupled with massive COVID-19 tests.

However, Halik made it clear that the series of tests must use the PCR method. “Because it has a better accuracy level so that it can be expanded,” said Halik Malik in a written statement today.

He said that every province in Indonesia must have the ability to conduct PCR tests, which was crucial to obtain the data on coronavirus contact tracing and suppress the spread of the virus.

A study conducted by the institute found that contact tracing of COVID-19 patients would be difficult if a region was having difficulties to conduct PCR tests. The study also revealed that such a situation would make the spread of COVID-19 outperform Indonesian health authorities as it would take time for a suspected case to be confirmed by lab results.

“Not every region has its own epidemiologist or institutions that are competent to accompany a certain Indonesian regional administration. This is why the COVID-19 task force needs to establish COVID-19 disaster relief clusters that are guided by academic institutions or expert organizations in the field,” said Halik Malik.

ANTARA