According to IDI data, which was released on Saturday, the total figure comprised 192 doctors, 14 dentists and 136 nurses. The deceased doctors were 101 general practitioners (including four professors), 89 specialists (seven professors) and two residents.

The Indonesian Nurses Association (PPNI) said 75 percent of nurses who died were stationed in patient rooms at hospitals.

“It is possible that they contracted the virus from patients who had not received their swab tests yet, or from asymptomatic carriers. 

“We are fully aware that health workers from all sides are already running out of capacity to treat patients, especially with the case surge, and handle their swab tests.

“Therefore, we really need the government and health facility management to immediately provide hospitals with the best medical equipment in order to get COVID-19 test results quickly, as well as routine virus tests for health workers, to help curb the virus transmission,” PPNI chairman Harif Fadhilah said in a statement. 

Eka Mulyana of advocacy and external affairs for the IDI’s COVID-19 mitigation team reminded the public to drop the view that the coronavirus was a hoax in order to help stop the virus from spreading.

Cumulative deaths of medical workers from COVID-19 by province. (JP/Hengky Wijaya)

“If you are among those who do not believe in the real situation of COVID-19, please do not let other people fall victim by continuing to believe so.

“The rising fatality rate among medical and health workers has again become a huge warning to us all to stay cautious and comply with the health protocols, which include handwashing, mask-wearing and social distancing.

“Neglecting the protocols means that you have put your loved ones’ lives in danger,” said Eka in a statement.

In addition, Weny Rinawati of the IDI’s mitigation team also reminded her colleagues in the field to continue to comply with standard operating procedure when dealing with COVID-19 patients, including maintaining their personal protective equipment (PPE) in good condition.

“As of this moment, our health workers use the highest grade of PPE suits, which are compatible with the risks in their field of work.

“We hope the government and health facility management continue to maintain this standard.

“As for those who have their own practices, please continue using PPE of sufficient quality suitable for the level of risk at your place,” she added.

On Saturday, Indonesia recorded 6,027 new cases, bringing the total to 569,707 confirmed cases so far. Recoveries have reached 470,449, while there have been 17,589 fatalities. (nkn)