Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Jakarta Agency Explains Priority Criteria for Patients Who Need to Be Hospitalized

COVID-19 cases continued to increase in Jakarta until this day. It touched 9,271 positive cases in Jakarta as of Saturday (6/26). This increase also affects bed occupancy in hospitals which used to treat the patients. But, residents should keep in mind that there are priority criteria for patients who need to be treated in hospitals.  

If confirmed positive, please immediately report to COVID-19 Task Force at RT level and nearest health center

"People should know that not all people exposed to COVID-19 should be treated in hospitals. Health Ministry has also issued priority criteria for patients who can be treated in hospitals, namely those with moderate, severe, and critical symptoms. For those with mild symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat, no shortness of breath, or those without symptoms can carry out self-isolation at home or controlled isolation facilities," explained Widyastuti, Head of Jakarta Health Agency as quoted from Jakarta PPID Press Release.

There are also priority criteria for patients who need to be hospitalized, such as people with oxygen saturation is below 95%, experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty/unable to speak, decreased consciousness, comorbidity, moderate symptoms with pneumonia.

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"Therefore, residents don't need to panic when they are tested positive for COVID-19. If confirmed positive, please immediately report to COVID-19 Task Force at RT level and nearest health center (Puskesmas) thus initial examination can be carried out and given referral letter if controlled isolation is needed," she mentioned.

"Besides, they must also recognize symptoms in their bodies. If the condition is not severe, then it is enough to undergo self-isolation or isolation in controlled isolation facility, no need to be treated in hospital," she stated.

According to her, there are total 140 hospitals in Jakarta that treat COVID-19 patients. From that number, all RSUD/RSKD (Public Regional Hospitals/Regional Special Hospitals) under Jakarta Government treat COVID-19 patients.

Those are RSUD Tanah Abang, RSUD Cempaka Putih, RSUD Sawah Besar, RSUD Tugu Koja, RSUD Pademangan, RSUD Cengkareng, RSUD Kalideres, RSUD Pasar Minggu, RSUD Kebayoran Lama, RSUD Kebayoran Baru, RSUD Jatipadang, RSUD Kramat Jati, RSUD Ciracas, RSKD Duren Sawit, RSUD Tarakan, RSUD Koja, RSUD Pasar Rebo, RSUD Budhi Asih, and Adhyaksa Hospital.

"Nevertheless, we will continue to coordinate with Health Ministry and health facilities to increase beds for COVID-19 patients in Jakarta," she added.

Her side ensured sufficient oxygen supply in Jakarta. Her side has collaborated with Transportation Agency and Satpol PP to distribute oxygen and medicines.

"Medicines are distributed through Health Sub-agencies in each regions. We make sure everything is safe and under control. Resident's safety is our main priority," she asserted.