Still Far From Target, Average Indonesian Covid-19 Tests Only Increased by 17.44% in a Week

The Indonesian COVID-19 Task Force report shows that on September 9, 2021, 148,458 people underwent COVID-19 testing in Indonesia. The average number of COVID-19 tests conducted this week was 130,168, a 17.44% increase compared to the previous week's 110,839. However, this number is still far below the World Health Organization (WHO) standard.

A total of 22,661,808 Indonesians have been tested for COVID-19 up to yesterday. These tests were conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rapid molecular tests (TCM), and antigen tests. According to the WHO, the standard for COVID-19 testing is 1,000 people per million population per week. This means that, based on the WHO standard and Indonesia's population of 276,691,046, a minimum of 276,691 people should undergo PCR COVID-19 tests per week.

For information, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has lowered the price of PCR tests since August 17, 2021. The government lowered the maximum price for real-time PCR (RT-PCR) tests to Rp 495,000 for Java-Bali and Rp 525,000 for outside Java-Bali.

With the reduction in PCR prices, the government hopes to increase the rate of COVID-19 testing. Low testing coverage can lead to uncontrolled spread of the virus.

Therefore, the public is urged to diligently implement the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap. In addition, the public is also urged to avoid crowds and reduce mobility.