Indonesia's COVID-19 Contact Tracing Capabilities Still Far Below WHO Standards

The Indonesian Ministry of Health recorded a weekly contact tracing ratio for Covid-19 in Indonesia of only 1.29 up to July 4, 2021. This means that only one close contact was traced for every positive corona case in the country each week.

This ratio is far below the standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Previously, the WHO set a contact tracing ratio of 30.

By province, the highest tracing ratio was in North Sumatra, at 4.94 close contacts per positive case per week. West Nusa Tenggara was second with a ratio of 3.39 close contacts per positive case per week.

The lowest contact tracing ratio was in Jambi, at 0.06 close contacts per positive case per week. Riau Islands was above it with a ratio of 0.07 close contacts per positive case per week.

This low contact tracing ratio can lead to many undetected and un-isolated positive corona cases. They could infect others around them.

During the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM Darurat), the government will intensify contact tracing for each positive corona patient. Those who have been in close contact with corona patients will undergo quarantine until they are free from infection.

In addition to increasing contact tracing, the government is also increasing corona testing. The number is targeted to increase from the current approximately 100,000 tests per day to 400,000 tests per day.

The public can also play an active role in preventing the spread of corona. One way is by diligently implementing the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap.