Airport Turns to Covid-19 Swab Tests, instead of Rapid Tests

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-run airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) planned to study the use of polymerase chain reaction or PCR swab tests to detect passengers carrying the novel coronavirus in airports under its management. This method aimed at holding more accurate detection of the virus causing Covid-19.

“We will not use rapid tests, but PCR,” said the CEO of AP I Faik Fahmi in an interview with Tempo on Tuesday, May 12.

According to Faik, the company was coordinating with the coronavirus mitigation task force and related ministries regarding the swab tests. Thus, repatriated Indonesians or foreign citizens entering the country will directly be screened in arrival terminals.

This handling complied with the protocols issued by the Port Health Agency and the Health Ministry. Passengers tested positive for the virus will be rushed to the Covid-19 referral hospital for treatment.

As of last week, AP I recorded that a total of 4,960 Indonesian migrant workers had been sent home via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali. The repatriation was carried out from March 23 to April 27.

“Until the end of April, we have served 27 repatriation flights of Indonesian citizens,” said the VP Corporate Secretary of AP I Handy Heryudhitiawan on May 6, 2020.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | YOHANES PASKALIS