Indonesia's COVID-19 Deaths Increased by Almost 350% in July 2021

The Covid-19 Task Force reported a total of 35,274 deaths from the Covid-19 coronavirus in Indonesia throughout July 2021. This figure represents a near 350% increase compared to the previous month.

The monthly coronavirus death toll had shown a downward trend earlier this year. The number, which stood at 7,315 in January 2021, decreased by 14.7% to 6,240 in February 2021. It then fell further to 4,850 in March 2021 and 4,515 in April 2021.

However, this trend reversed the following month. The number of coronavirus deaths increased by 12.2% to 5,067 in May 2021. The figure then increased by 55.2% to 7,865 in June 2021.

Nationally, the total death toll from the coronavirus has exceeded 100,000 cases since August 4, 2021. Five provinces on the island of Java still dominate the death toll: East Java, Central Java, DKI Jakarta, West Java, and Yogyakarta.

Covid-19 deaths must not be allowed to increase. Therefore, the public needs to participate in preventing them by suppressing the rate of coronavirus transmission.

One step that can be taken is to diligently implement the 3M health protocols: wearing a mask, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap. In addition, the public is urged to reduce mobility and avoid crowds.