COVID-19 Hospital Bed Occupancy in More Than 17 Provinces Exceeds 60%: Which Ones?

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported that at least 17 provinces have a bed occupancy rate (BOR) above 60%. Nationally, the average BOR for isolation and intensive care units specifically for COVID-19 reached 60% until August 1, 2021. This proportion meets the World Health Organization (WHO) BOR standard of 60%.

The COVID-19 specific BOR in three provinces even exceeded 80%: Bangka Belitung Islands (83%), Bali (80%), and Yogyakarta Special Region (80%). Furthermore, the BOR in areas outside Java is also starting to decline. Some examples include East Kalimantan (79%), West Sumatra (78%), and South Kalimantan (77%).

According to the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, the COVID-19 specific BOR in several provinces outside Java is starting to increase. Therefore, the government will strive to reduce the burden on hospitals. Some of these efforts include replicating and increasing COVID-19 testing, converting hospital rooms into COVID-19 specific rooms, and ensuring the formation of oxygen task forces, as has been done in Java.

The government urges everyone to help reduce COVID-19 transmission by always wearing masks, maintaining distance, and frequently washing hands with soap and running water. Avoiding crowds and reducing mobility also contribute to suppressing the spread of the coronavirus.