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Foreign students in Palembang tested for COVID-19 after contact with confirmed patient
A Dutch medical student has been tested at a hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra, after receiving news that his mother tested positive for COVID-19. She stayed in Palembang for ten days before returning to the Netherlands on March 7.
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A Meuraxa Regional Public Hospital (RSUD) medical worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) leaves a temporary COVID-19 isolation room in Banda Aceh, Aceh, on Wednesday. (Antara/Irwansyah Putra)
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wo foreign students attending Sriwijaya University in Palembang, South Sumatra, voluntarily went to the hospital to be tested for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after one of them had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient.
A Dutch medical student was tested at Mohammad Hosein Hospital after receiving news that his mother, who had returned to the Netherlands on March 7 after staying in Palembang for ten days, tested positive for COVID-19.
He was accompanied by his flatmate, an Indian national, who also took the test. Their test results were negative. Doctors, however, have prohibited them from traveling for the time being.
Sriwijaya University Medical School vice dean Irfanuddin confirmed the results of the tests, adding that both foreign students were registered at the university as guest students for an eight-week course.
Read also: COVID-19 suspect in Palembang tests negative after second examination
The South Sumatra health agency has placed at least 81 people across the province under surveillance between Jan. 30 and March 17. Seventy-six individuals have been declared healthy after passing the 14-day incubation period.
Authorities were still monitoring the remaining cases.
"None of the cases have been confirmed positive as of today," said Yusri, a health agency official.
Separately, two Japanese nationals were isolated in Haulussy Regional General Hospital in Ambon, Maluku. They were admitted to the hospital on Wednesday as they showed symptoms of fever and shortness of breath.
"Both individuals, a married couple, are currently under surveillance,” Haulussy Hospital director Ritha Taihitu said without revealing further details about the patients.
In total, there are three patients quarantined at the hospital. (vny)
