COVID-19 Testing Numbers Fall Far Short of Emergency PPKM Target

The Ministry of Health recorded 116,674 people undergoing COVID-19 coronavirus testing on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. These tests were conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rapid molecular tests (TCM), and antigen methods.

The number of people tested for coronavirus continued its downward trend for the past two days. The figure reached 188,551 on July 17, 2021, but then decreased to 138,046 on July 18, 2021, and 127,461 on July 19, 2021.

On average, the number of people tested during the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM Darurat) period from July 3 to 20, 2021, was only around 140,000 per day. The government, however, targeted 410,000 tests per day in Java and Bali during that period.

In total, over 16 million people in Indonesia have undergone coronavirus testing. Compared to the population, this equates to a ratio of 58,628 people per one million inhabitants.

The low testing coverage may result in many unrecorded coronavirus transmission cases. This situation could lead to uncontrolled coronavirus transmission.

Therefore, the government needs to increase the rate of coronavirus testing. The public is also urged to diligently implement the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap.