The establishment of a floating centralized isolation at the Port of Sorong and residents’ enthusiasm for vaccination can help make West Papua free from COVID-19, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has said.

“If this enthusiasm is maintained, I am optimistic that West Papua province as a whole can improve and consistently become a green zone area or low-risk zone for COVID-19,” he said in an official statement received here on Friday.

The floating centralized isolation initiated by the government has been operating since August 21, 2021, and is one of the government’s commitments to handle COVID-19 in the downstream sector.

The five floating isolation centers prepared by the government for COVID-19 patients without symptoms or with mild symptoms are — Bitung Port, Belawan Port, Makassar Port, Jayapura Port, and Sorong Port.

“I hope that people can take full advantage of the facilities prepared. At the KM Sirimau Floating Isolation center, the handling has been good, and I hope all cities can follow the best practices in Sorong city,” Airlangga said. Sorong Port would develop further and become part of the National Strategic Project (PSN), he informed. Since the condition of the handling of COVID-19 in Sorong city has improved, there have been 5 COVID-19 patients who were still being treated at KM Sirimau in early September.

The KM Sirimau floating isolation center is handled by two doctors and eight nurses and is equipped with 160 beds for COVID-19 patients. In addition, two speedboats are used for the mobilization of health workers and patients as well as logistics transportation. The TNI and the National Police have also voiced full support for the floating isolation center.

Source: Antara News