TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Market Traders Association (Ikappi) reported there are 1,053 new COVID-19 cases across Indonesia’s traditional markets.

As many as 81 traders tested positive for the virus infection in Jakarta from June 18 to July 13, 2020. On July 13, Jakarta recorded the highest daily-jump in the novel coronavirus cases at 41 new infections from Cempaka Putih Market, East Jakarta.

The rising number in new positive cases occurred for the past week in regions that conducted massive rapid tests and swab tests in traditional markets. “Jakarta is the province with the largest number of COVID-19 cases, followed by East Java,” said Ikappi spokesman Reynaldi Sarijowan in a written statement on Tuesday, July 14.

From June 4 to July 12, Jakarta Health Agency noted that the traditional market cluster contributed the highest virus transmission up to 68 percent, followed by the hospital cluster at 45.26 percent, public community at 38 percent.

“Immigrant workers contribute 5.8 percent, and the rest is the office cluster,” said Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

Ikappi then called on local administration and traditional market operators to more actively educate traders about the dangers of COVID-19 and encourage them to apply predetermined health protocols in the discipline.

According to him, the rising number of positive infections in traditional markets occurred due to the public distrust about the danger of the novel coronavirus. “Disinformation develops among traders and visitors,” Reynaldi said.

Read also: COVID-19 Predicted to Peak in August-September: Jokowi

ADAM PRIREZA