TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan asserted that every region must ramp up their Covid-19 testing capacity in order to reduce the new coronavirus transmission. Thus, he added, there would be no ping-pong effect of the virus if the testing was carried out evenly.

“We hope other regions hold massive testing too so there will be no ping-pong effect. We are striving to suppress [virus transmission] but there are still people exiting and entering [Jakarta],” said Anies at the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) building on Monday, September 7, 2020.

Anies said increasing the testing capacity would help detect positive cases, particularly for the sake of high-risk patients. This was evident from the city’s low fatality rate because patients were quickly detected as early as possible.

Additionally, massive testing must be held intensively, Anies added. According to him, Jakarta’s testing capacity this week had four times exceeded the WHO standard.

He said this was in line with President Jokowi’s instruction. “We hope the testing capacity is increased as ordered by the president,” he said.

Anies Baswedan continued that the massive testing must be balanced with the public discipline in implementing health protocols, especially the use of face masks as the most effective effort to protect oneself from Covid-19.

Read also: 10-15 Percent COVID-19 Patients in Jakarta Not Jakarta Residents: Anies Baswedan

TAUFIQ SIDDIQ