JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of patients recovering from COVID-19 in Indonesia has seen an increase as of recent. Dedication from the government to increase these numbers is evident from efforts such as accelerating the preparation of a vaccine, as well as effective distribution of accompanying medicine nationwide. Furthermore, through the Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN), the government has appealed to the public the importance of prevention in fighting the pandemic.
Dr. Reisa Broto Asmoro and Dr. Gia Pratama Putra.
The national view is that health is the first priority for the country to recover economically. With the impressive numbers for recoveries from the COVID-19, Indonesia has become one of the countries with the most optimistic outlook in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in South East Asia, according to surveys such as IPSOS and Nielsen.
"The overall recovery rate from the COVID-19 cases has reached 82.84%. This number was previously at 80.51%," said Dr. Reisa Broto Asmoro, Spokesperson for the COVID-19 taskforce during her dialogue at a KPCPEN-held event themed "Between Prevention and Medication: Which to Choose?".
Why Prevention is More Effective Than Curing
During the same event, Dr. Gia Pratama Putra, a medical expert supported by KPCPEN, explained extensively how prevention is a priority in fighting the pandemic.
"There is no doubt that treatment of the COVID-19 cases is important. However, prevention is something that every single person has the power to control. There are key disciplines that we can all adopt (national health protocol): 1) use a mask wherever necessary; 2) keep a safe distance; and 3) wash hands frequently. As the virus that we are facing can be defeated by our body's immune system - the key is that we give our body's defense mechanisms the best chance of fighting the virus," Stated Dr. Gia.
"There are 3 effective ways for us to increase our body's immunity. The first is that we fulfill the body's needs for nutrition through eating fruits and vegetables. Second, to get enough sleep, which is approximately 6-7 hours daily. Try to get to bed before 11pm to optimize your sleep. Finally, to perform regular exercise. There are many forms of exercise that you can do at home without having to step outside," Dr. Gia said.
How Early Detection Increases the Chance of Recovery From COVID-19
Other than following the national health protocol and increasing immunity, early detection can contribute to one's ability to recover from COVID-19. Being able to determine infection as early as possible significantly increases the chance of recovery.
"Do not be afraid of getting tested when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. It is with early detection that we will be able to administer treatments with optimal results, which more than likely will lead to recovery. The medicine and treatments made available by the government in treatment centers is more than equipped to aide those infected, but it is important to remember that the earlier you treat it, the better," stated Dr. Reisa.
"We know that treatments are most effective when administered quickly. Due to this, swab-tests are now made more affordable to the public, with results able to be finalized within a day or two. We are determined to help those infected treat the infection during the early stages as the danger posed by COVID-19 is real," added Dr. Gia.
The Best Preparation Prior To A Vaccine
As COVID-19 vaccinations enter clinical trials, increasing awareness on the body's immunity and early detection prove to be the government's strategy to increase the national Recovery Ratio. However, these incentives need to be coupled with individual efforts by the public to be disciplined in actioning the national health protocol and to make health their priority in facing the pandemic together.
"When ready, the COVID-19 vaccine will be a vital component in increasing the body's natural defense. The vaccine will be specific in increasing the body's immunity towards COVID-19, giving the body precise instructions on how to fight the virus. However, until then, it is up to all of us collectively to make sure that we are in the best position possible in fighting this pandemic," Dr. Gia said.
About KPCPEN
Based on the consideration that the handling of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the national economy recovery must be aligned in one integrated and inseparable strategic policy, President Joko Widodo issued Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 82 of 2020 on the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN) signed on July 20 2020.
The KPCPEN priorities respectively are INDONESIA SEHAT (Priority for people to be safe from COVID-19 and reforming health services), INDONESIA BEKERJA (Priority for empowerment and acceleration of employment), INDONESIA TUMBUH (Priority for national economy recovery and transformation).
Media Contact:
Communication Team of the Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN)
Lalu Hamdani 081284519595 / 081212865928
Email: media-kpcpen@covid19.go.id
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