The Bangka COVID-19 Task Force recorded that some 592 residents were still awaiting the results of laboratory-conducted PCR tests as of Saturday, September 4.

“A total of 592 residents are awaiting the results of the PCR tests from the regional laboratory, which is the result of tracking and tracing conducted by the health team for residents known to have come in close contact with COVID-19 patients,” Bangka District COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson Boy Yandra stated in Sungailiat on Saturday.

Yandra noted that the residents of eight sub-districts were awaiting their PCR test results owing to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in those areas.

“It is estimated that the results of regional laboratory tests can only be known after five days to a week on account of the high numbers tested from other areas in Bangka Belitung Islands Province,” he pointed out.

Yandra expects the results to come negative, so that the number of COVID-19 cases would dip. The spokesperson noted that the local government, through the Health Office, had continued to take preventive measures, such as by maximizing vaccination services for children aged 12 years and above up to the elderly populace.

“The COVID-19 Task Force Team, comprising the National Defense Force, Police Force, and volunteers, also conducted massive monitoring activities for the disciplined implementation of health protocols in some of the public places,” he remarked.

A total of 8,997 COVID-19 cases were so far found in Bangka District. Some 8,009 patients had recovered, while 317 COVID-19 patients had succumbed to the disease.

Of the eight sub-districts in Bangka District, Sungailiat Sub-district, recorded the maximum number of cases at 3,642, with 3,312 patients having made a recovery, and 105 patients having succumbed to the disease. The lowest case count was recorded in Bakam Sub-district at 125, of which 104 recovered, while seven died.

Source: Antara News