Disdik: No Covid-19 Clusters Found in 25 Schools during PTM

Following the circulation of news related to the 25 Covid-19 clusters found during the limited face-to-face learning (PTM) in Jakarta, the Jakarta Education Agency (Disdik) Head, Nahdiana said, the data from the Directorate General of PAUD Dikdasmen regarding school clusters had been traced and no new cases were found.

Based on the data gathered in the field, no cases found in these schools since PTM Phase 1 started

According to her, it was a survey conducted on school respondents and not based on the results of the Health Agency (Dinkes)'s surveillance of positive cases found. It was done for the period from January to September 2021, so it does not describe new cases after PTM started.

"From 25 schools, only 2 schools are included in the 610 schools take part in PTM Phase 1, starting on August 30th, namely SMP Cindera Mata Indah and SMKS Yadika 2 Jakarta. Based on the data gathered in the field, no cases found in these schools since PTM Phase 1 started," she explained, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Friday (9/24).

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She went on to say that what needs to be shared and anticipated is how to handle if positive cases are found in schools during PTM. The Disdik had made a standard procedure for Emergency Break by conducting Tracing, Testing and Treatment, and schools were temporarily closed for 3x24 hours for disinfection.

"We're also cooperating with Dinkes to conduct periodic antigen swab tests in schools that hold PTM, to see the positivity rate in schools. We expect the role of school residents and parents in terms of strict health protocols, a clean and healthy lifestyle for the success of PTM in Jakarta," she continued.

Jakarta Health Agency's Disease Prevention and Control Division Head Dwi Oktavia Tatri Lestari asserted, the cases found in the news the past few days were cases before the PTM started. It had nothing to do with PTM and did not match the facts at the scene.

"We need to be careful in using the term cluster. It is defined as at least 2 cases and it is epidemiologically proven that the transmission occurs in schools. The existence of several cases in schools at one time doesn't ensure whether they become a cluster or not, as most cases currently exist are independent cases, instead of clusters," she explained.