Coronavirus dies quickly in hot temperatures: president Joko Widodo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo announced good news, noting that based upon research, high temperatures and humidity, and exposure to direct sunlight, will shorten the life span of the new type of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease.

The President said that was based on a statement from the Department of Homeland Security of the United States government.

"The higher the temperature, the higher the humidity, and direct exposure to sunlight will further shorten the life span of the COVID-19 in the air and on non-porous surfaces. This is good news for Indonesia," President Joko Widodo said at Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, on Friday.

Indonesia is a tropical country with hot temperatures, humid air and intense sunlight.

However, President Jokowi reminded the public to continue observing the COVID-19 prevention protocols.

"However, do not forget that the protocol for preventing transmission of COVID-19 must continue to be carried out in a manner with strong discipline," the president said.

There are four COVID-19 prevention protocols, noted the president.

"One, always wash your hands; the second, always use a mask; the third, keep your distance; and the fourth is increase immunity and endurance," the president said.

As of Friday (24/4), the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Indonesia had reached 8,211 cases, with 1,002 people declared cured and 689 people having died. The number of patients under surveillance (PDP) were 18,301 people and those in monitoring (ODP) included 197,951 people.

COVID-19 has spread throughout 34 provinces in Indonesia, with the most cases in DKI Jakarta (3,599), West Java (862), East Java (690), South Sulawesi (420), Central Java (575), Banten (359), Bali (177), Papua (136), South Kalimantan (132), West Nusa Tenggara (153), South Sumatra (106), and North Sumatra (96).

Based upon data from the Worldometers website, until Friday (4/24) afternoon there were 2,737,866 people infected with the Corona virus worldwide, along with 191,423 deaths and 752,284 people declared cured. Cases in the United States reached 886,709, in Spain 213,024 cases, in Italy 189,973, in France 158,183, Germany has 153,215, Britain 138,078, Turkey 101,790 and Iran with 87,026.

The highest number of deaths is in the United States with 50,243, followed by Italy with 25,549, Spain at 22,157, France with 21,856, England with 18,738 and Belgium with 6,679.

There are currently more than 213 countries and territories that confirm positive cases of COVID-19.

(INE)