Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 330 medical and nursing students of Andalas University (Unand) in Padang, West Sumatra, began volunteering at hospitals and laboratories on Monday as part of the school of medicine's community service program (KKN), a compulsory credit requirement in the Indonesian curriculum.

During the KKN, which will last for one month, the students are helping to educate the public on COVID-19 through social media, as well as handle administrative and logistical matters at the school's Biomedik laboratory.

According to Unand rector Yuliandri, the students were also helping to produce protective gear such as face masks, face shields and hazmat suits. 

"As volunteers, these students [are expected] to contribute in preventive and promotional programs by communicating to and educating the public about COVID-19, which has spread to West Sumatra," said Yuliandri on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

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Educating the public on the grim reality of COVID-19 can be a challenge. On Friday, Koto Rawang hamlet head Bakhtiar in Lengayang district, Pesisir Selatan regency, West Sumatra, was hospitalized after being beaten after telling a crowd of young men to go home and comply with the physical distancing recommendations.

As of Tuesday, at least 18 reported cases of COVID-19 have been reported in West Sumatra with one casualty. (gis/kes)