Indonesia Cannot Repatriate Infected Citizen in Singapore
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5 February 2020 22:55 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy said the government had not been able to repatriate an Indonesian citizen tested positive for coronavirus in Singapore. He claimed the government is highly willing to immediately repatriate the 44-year-old woman but they are hindered by regulations.
"According to WHO protocol, sick people must not be evacuated," Muhadjir said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, February 5.
The same procedure goes to the three Indonesian citizens in Wuhan, China, who could not be evacuated by the Indonesian government since they did not pass the Chinese government's health screening. Although they are likely only affected by an ordinary illness and are not affected by the Coronavirus, they are still not allowed to go out based on the procedure.
"Our problem in Singapore is that [she's] not only suspect, but it has been declared that she is infected with the coronavirus. Based on the regulation, she must be cured first before being evacuated," the minister said.
Therefore, Muhadjir said that he had contacted Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto regarding the condition of the Indonesian citizen. He promised that the government would keep eyes on the infected citizen in Singapore.
The closest step that will be taken is to coordinate with the Singaporean government to ensure that the Indonesian citizen gets the best possible care.
