Balai Melati in Jakarta Again Holds Antigen Swab Test for Tracing the Spread of Covid-19

JAKARTA (5 July 2021) – The Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Melati Center (Balai) in Jakarta today held a Covid-19 Antigen Swab Test for those who live in Balai. They were Civil Servants (PNS), Non-Civil Servant Government Employees (PPNPN), Instructors, Employees of the Social Rehabilitation Service Unit for Children with Disabilities (ULRSAPD), Beneficiaries and PNS families.

This was due to the results of the previous test conducted on Wednesday (23/6/2021) which showed that 27 people were confirmed positive Covid-19. Consequently, Balai Melati went on lockdown. Those 27 people who were confirmed positive consist of 5 civil servants, 1 PPNPN, 1 beneficiary and 20 civil servants' families. After being confirmed positive, Cipayung District Health Center and Balai Melati carried out PCR swab tests for them. Furthermore, they had self-quarantine as the procedure to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The head of Balai Melati Jakarta, Romal Uli Jaya Sinaga, urged the entire family of Balai Melati to obey health protocols in a disciplined manner. Before the implementation of the test, Romal emphasized that the antigen swab test will continue to be carried out periodically for the entire Balai Melati family as an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Balai.

“We are in difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every week there are additional positive cases in Balai. I understand your concerns. However, it is our role to provide Social Rehabilitation Assistance services. Let's support each other and wish each other the best. We must remain optimistic and believe that this too shall pass,” said Romal.

A total of 87 people took the antigen swab test today. There were 30 civil servants, 6 PPNPN, 10 instructors, 7 ULRSAPD employees, 12 beneficiaries of Balai Melati, 14 beneficiaries of ULRSAPD, and 8 civil servants' families. After the test was carried out, masks were distributed to civil servants, PPNPN, instructors and also beneficiaries. 

As a result, there were additional 5 new positive cases in Balai, namely 3 instructors and 2 civil servant family members.

Furthermore, the medical staff of Balai coordinated with the Cipayung District Health Center to report the results of the antigen swab test and scheduled a PCR swab test for the families of PNS and instructors who confirmed positive. The staff then appropriately disinfected the skill room for the prevention of Covid-19.