JAKARTA (March 4, 2020) - The Ministry of Social Affairs conducts inspections for all employees to prevent the transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), especially in the Ministry of Social Affairs Headquarters, Salemba, Central Jakarta.

"This effort is a follow up of the President's instructions to implement preventive measures in the work environment. In addition, we will provide additional protocols for employees who want to enter the work environment, i.e. checking body temperature and providing masks," said Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara at the Ministry of Social Affairs Headquarters in Jakarta, Wednesday (03/04/2020).

This effort was strengthened by Circular Letter No. 1 of 2020 concerning spread prevention of COVID-19 in the Ministry of Social Affairs. This Circular Letter refers to the Decree of the Minister of Health No. HK.01.07 / MENKES / 104/2020 concerning the Establishment of a Coronavirus Novel Infection (Infection 2019-nCoV) as a Disease That Can Cause an Outbreak and its Mitigation Efforts.

This Circular Letter contains an appeal for every employee to pursue healthy behavior and a clean and hygienic work environment, to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and to wear a mask when coughing. Overseas travel, especially to countries where the spread of the COVID-19 virus has been identified to be suspended and to be examined for health when returning from assignments / study assignments / trips abroad.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs has also taken various concrete steps in preventing transmission of COVID-19 such as providing temperature detection devices in several locations, ensuring the availability of hand washing soap and clean water, providing antiseptic liquid at each entrance and elevator, and providing masks for employees.

"We will also increase the stock of drugs in our polyclinics such as cold medicines and immune-boosting supplements," Juliari said.

When asked how long this action would take, Juliari explained that this action would be carried out continuously. "This is a good habit so that with or without the presence of coronavirus, this action will continue," Minister Ari said.

WHO states that Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) belongs to a family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses from the common cold to dangerous diseases such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Signs of transmission of the virus are similar to those of mild to moderate flu such as colds, coughs, itchy throats, and fevers. Coronavirus transmission from human to human is estimated through direct contact through small droplets which are released by the patient when sneezing and coughing. It is known that this virus has now spread to all continents except Antarctic.

Bureau of Public Relations
Ministry of Social Affairs