TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Statistician from Padjadjaran University (Unpad) Yuyun Hidayat predicted that the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia would continue to increase until mid-February 2021.

Presently, Indonesia’s number of cases ranked fourth in Asia, under India, Turkey, and Iran.

From January 31 to February 6, 2021, the total number of cases was predicted to reach 1,126,543 to 1,191,405, and the active cases would likely hit 143,489 to 255,445.

From February 7-13, the country was estimated to detect 1,190,784 to 1,324,830 positive cases and around 143,489-255,445 active cases.

In terms of new weekly cases, Indonesia ranked second in Asia with a total of 88,839 infections, while India topped the list with 91,641 new cases. “Indonesia may soon have the highest number of new weekly cases,” Yuyun said on Monday, February 1.

Based on the curve of the new weekly cases from November 7, 2020 to January 30, 2021, the number continued to soar. The steepest surge was recorded from 59,913 to 78,256 cases on October 9-16, 2020.

“If we feel safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, that is the time when we let our guards down,” he remarked.

The widespread transmission of coronavirus, Yuyun argued, could be curbed by strict public discipline in wearing face masks, washing hands with soap regularly, and avoiding crowds. “So these predictions will not occur,” he underlined.

Read: Jokowi Unhappy with Increasing Transmission despite PPKM, Economic Sacrifices

ANWAR SISWADI