Bekasi Govt Quarantines 14 Chinese Workers amid Coronavirus Fears

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bekasi regency government has quarantined 14 workers from China to anticipate the spread of the coronavirus, as the workers are known to have just returned from their home country.

The head of the regency’s Health Agency, Sri Enny, said the 14 foreign workers worked for PT CSCEC (China State Construction Engineering Corporation) in the Cibatu industrial area, South Cikarang. They are part of the 48 foreign workers from China there.

"To the company employing 14 foreign workers who have been known to have made the last trip to China, (the company) must quarantine the employees at their place of residence to minimize contact with other foreign workers," Sri said in a written statement on Thursday evening, February 13, 2020.

According to Enny, two weeks ago the 14 foreign workers from China had just arrived from their home country. Therefore, Enny stated that the Bekasi Health Agency would conduct medical examinations for the next two weeks, as the coronavirus incubation process is 14 days.

She stated that since the health check began on Thursday, February 6, there had not been any Chinese workers suspected of being infected with the coronavirus. A number of companies have visited workers for inspection, mainly from China such as PT MSU, the project developers of Meikarta apartment, PT Wuling Indonesia, and PT Mengniu Dairy Indonesia.

"The examination of foreign workers is expected to be completed around February 18 or 19 ," said Sri.

The Bekasi Regency Health Agency has cautioned all foreign workers to use masks and implement a clean and healthy lifestyle in a working environment. Furthermore, all companies that employ Chinese foreign workers have also been cautioned to report if there is an incident suspected to lead to the coronavirus.

Reporter: ADI Warsono | Translator: Dio Suhenda (Intern Translator)