Indonesia’s one-day increases in COVID-19 cases hit consecutive new highs on several days last week as the country recorded more than 4,000 new infections each day. The country had never seen a daily increase above 4,000 prior to mid-September.
Some government officials hang their hope on a vaccine, which they suggest will be ready by December. However, several health experts suggest the target is unreachable as the vaccine’s clinical trials are still underway.
The Health Ministry announced 3,509 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 278,722. Almost 900 of the new cases come from Jakarta.
While Jakarta is still battling against the virus, the capital now must prepare to face its nemesis: flooding. On Sept. 21, heavy rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Jakarta. The city administration is now intensifying efforts to clean up rivers and sewers in preparation for the rainy season.