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The head of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Doni Monardo - NK/VOI

Head of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Doni Monardo tested positive for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

"Based on the PCR test last night, I received a positive result for COVID-19, with CT Value 25, this morning," Monardo noted in a statement here on Saturday.

Monardo, concurrently head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), claimed to have not been symptomatic.

"I did not show any symptoms, and this morning, I have my normal activity, a little exercise, and take an eight-kilometer walk," he stated.

As the BNPB head, Monardo was occupied in inspecting the disaster mitigation efforts following the earthquake in West Sulawesi and flooding in South Kalimantan.

However, Monardo claimed to have applied the health protocols strictly and have always worn mask and washed his hands.

The BNPB head arrived from Mamuju, West Sulawesi, on late Friday (Jan 22). Monardo’s staff members accompanied him during the visit to West Sulawesi and South Kalimantan where they underwent COVID-19 tests.

One of Monardo's staff members also tested positive for the SARS CoV-2 infection.

"COVID-19 is so close to us. I have tried hard to remain disciplined and adhere to the health protocols, but I still got infected," he stated.Monardo has conducted self-isolation while continuing to monitor the handling of COVID-19 and the impact of natural disasters in some regions.

"Referring to this situation, I called on the public to continue to adhere (to the health protocols), wear mask, maintain physical distancing and avoid crowds, as well as wash hands with soap and running water," he affirmed.

An advisor to BNPB Egy Masadiah, who accompanied Monardo during his visit to the disaster-affected regions, tested negative for the virus despite having stayed close to him during the visit.

Masadiah remarked that Monardo had arrived in Mamuju on January 15, some 12 hours after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck West Sulawesi.

The BNPB head then headed to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on Sunday (Jan 17) and flew to Mamuju on early Tuesday (Jan 19) before returning to Jakarta//ANT