Sulawesi Sees Significant Surge in Covid-19 Cases after Earthquakes

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - West Sulawesi Province recorded that the number of Covid-19 infections went double following the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred on January 15, 2021.

“Positive cases in West Sulawesi after the earthquake have doubled based on data from the West Sulawesi Health Agency,” said the spokesperson for the West Sulawesi Covid-19 Task Force, Safaruddin DM, who is also the head of the West Sulawesi Communication and Information Agency, in Mamuju, Sunday, February 21.

He outlined that the province detected 2,020 cases as of January 6, and the number doubled to 4,701 after the Sulawesi earthquake. “Even on February 19, 2021, 5,042 people were exposed to the coronavirus,” he added.

The Acting Head of West Sulawesi Health Agency, dr. Didi Asran, called on the public to remain disciplined in implementing the predetermined health protocols in evacuation posts as there was a significant increase in positive cases.

“The community is not disciplined in maintaining health protocols in evacuation posts so that more people tested positive. [People] must be concerned and aware of the risk of contracting Covid,” Didi underlined.

He said that health workers would continue to monitor and anticipate the development of the virus transmission through 3T, including tracing close contact and treatment for Covid-19 patients.

“The earthquake did cause a tremendous impact, but we must keep maintaining the health protocols and should be more vigilant,” Didi remarked.

Also Read: No Indonesian Falls Victim to Japan's Powerful Earthquake: Indonesian Embassy

ANTARA