Indonesia reports coronavirus cases rise by 3,507 to 225,030

With intensive caring units nearing full capacity, doctors warn the pandemic is 'not under control'

JAKARTA:

Indonesia reported on Tuesday 3,507 new coronavirus infections, taking the country’s total tally to 225,030, Health Ministry data showed.

The number of deaths rose by 124 to 8,965, the highest number of fatalities in Southeast Asia.

Doctors in Indonesia’s capital warned on Thursday the coronavirus pandemic is “not under control” with Jakarta intensive care units nearing full capacity and the city ordering new lockdown measures amid a spike in infections.

The occupancy rate of isolation rooms at 67 coronavirus referral hospitals is currently at 77%, while the ICU occupancy is 83%, according to the Jakarta administration.

“It is like we have been running a marathon since March, we are exhausted,” said Erlina Burhan, a pulmonologist from Persahabatan Hospital, “This is not to be underestimated. The situation is not under control.”

The number of patients being treated for suspected cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, tripled from July to August at Persahabatan, Jakarta’s main referral hospital.