Increasing PCR Test Capacity Leads to Increasing Number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in Jakarta

The capacity of PCR test used to diagnose new cases in Jakarta increased from 4,000 – 5,000 people into 7,270 people as of September 2.

42% of them came from the result of Puskesmas tracing by examining people who have close contact with the positive patients

Based on the latest data from Jakarta Health Agency, there are two laboratories that have just reported PCR test results because it just recently operated and received official permission from Health Ministry. In total, there are 56 laboratories that have collaborated with Jakarta Government in conducting PCR test.

By increasing the PCR testing capacity, it also causes an increase in number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Jakarta. From total 7,270 people who had undergone PCR test, 1,137 people were positive and 6,133 were negative. Total additional cases up to this day reached 1,406 cases because 270 cases were the accumulation data from the previous day that were just reported.

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Jakarta Health Agency's Disease Prevention and Control Head, Dwi Oktavia stated, 71 of 1,406 positive cases were Indonesian migrant workers who were quarantined at Athletes Village (Wisma Atlet) and domiciled outside Jakarta (various regions throughout Indonesia).

"42% of them came from the result of Puskesmas tracing by examining people who have close contact with the positive patients. While the current tracing ratio in Jakarta is 6, meaning that from 1 positive case, an average of 6 people with close contacts must take PCR tests," she conveyed as quoted from Jakarta PPID Press Release, on Thursday (9/3).

Furthermore, 33% of positive cases were taken from specimens tested on August 27 and 28, 2020. If counted backwards, the most frequent incubation period is 6 days (incubation is the time needed for the virus to cause symptoms from the first time it enters the body), then the patient access PCR test 1-2 days later, then the highest probability of transmission period occurs on August 20 (a week).

From total positive patients in Jakarta, about 55% were asymptomatic (without symptoms), 32% were symptomatic, and 13% were without data. For the largest cluster in Jakarta is settlements, then followed with offices.

"It is important to ensure 3M to run well in private areas/home by optimizing RT/RW task force and making sure everyone to follow health protocols. 1 House 1 COVID-19 Cadre plays an important role," she asserted.

She continued, 7% cases occurred in children group, 1% in toddler group, and 10% in elderly group (over 60 years old). While 70% cases occurred at the age of 19-50 years (productive age), in which age group has a relatively higher mobility than other age groups.

"Students, civil apparatuses (ASN), and private employees are the most common occupation that can be identified. It is important to strengthen the 3 groups," she added.

For information, number of active cases in Jakarta up to this day reached 10,032 people (including those who are being treated/isolated). While number of confirmed cases in Jakarta reached 43.709 cases. From that number, 32,434 people were cured with cure rate 74.2% and total 1,253 people died with mortality rate 2.9%. While, PCR tests were given to 62,063 per 1 million population, with positivity rate in the past week reached 12.5%.