First Two COVID-19 Patients Face Psychological Pressures

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The national spokesman for the COVID-19 outbreak mitigation, Achmad Yurianto, said the first two patients of the novel coronavirus, Case 1 and Case 2, were facing psychological pressures that was worsening their health condition.

“The doctors told me that Case 1 and 2 are dealing with a psychological burden since their identities were published,” said Yurianto at the Presidential Office on Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara, Central Jakarta, Monday, March 9.

According to him, the publication of their identities was such a big blow or a kind of social punishment that made both depressed. “They are a bit depressed about that. And this is what I say from the beginning that psychological factors affect one's immune system,” Yurianto added.

He said the test results of both patients until the seventh day of their isolation remained positive for the new coronavirus, and thus they were still being treated albeit they had no clinical complaint.

Unlike Case 1 and Case 2, the condition of Case 3 and 4 were not exposed. Yurianto claimed their condition showed good development after they were declared positive for the COVID-19. However, the two patients demanded their identities remain secret.

“We have to repeatedly assure them that we will not announce their names, because they are afraid of being in the same state as Case 1 and Case 2,” Yurianto said.

EGI ADYATAMA