July 9, 2021

Anna Murray 

In Indonesia, the pandemic is severe. Until July 9, Indonesia has reported over 2.4 million infections. Because of the low test of coronavirus, the number of confirmed cases and fatalities is expected to rise. After running out of oxygen, hospitals in West Java province temporarily closed their doors. The increase in confirmed cases in this province has also resulted in panic buying among local residents.

According to official Singaporean information, a second shipment of emergency supplies and equipment has already been shipped to Indonesia. More than 1,000 oxygen cylinders, concentrators, and other medical devices were included in this shipment. Aside from these donations, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia's pandemic response minister, stated that the Indonesian government planned to purchase approximately 36,000 tons of oxygen and 10,000 concentrators from Singapore.

Mr. Pandjaitan also stated that he sought assistance from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated that the US would send vaccinations and assist Indonesia in preparing a response to COVID-19.

Some experts noted the outbreak's wave in Indonesia. Delta variants, a short quarantine period, and a lack of testing are all factors that contributed to this wave. People did not adhere to the strict travel ban following the Idul Fitri holiday as well. Delta variants, on the other hand, are extremely contagious. Viruses are all around us. Mr. Pandjaitan warned that the number of confirmed cases would rise further. The Ministry of Industry has asked companies to work together to ensure that hospitals in Indonesia have enough oxygen.

Photo:webshot.