The Indonesia government has finally released its official protocols for dealing with the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Members of the public are expected to follow the protocols if they find they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

“If you are experiencing one of the COVID-19 symptoms, such as a 38-degree Celsius fever, please take a rest. Drink a lot of water,” Health Ministry secretary-general Oscar Primadi said on Friday.

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According to Oscar, the protocols are meant to guide the actions of people when they gather in public places. The protocols deal with educational areas, public areas, public transportation, health access, first aid and identifying the infection.

For example, if the symptoms of feverish people persist after resting and drinking water and if they begin to experience difficulty breathing, the ministry strongly advises them to seek treatment at the nearest health facility. They should also refrain from using public transportation.

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“Do not forget to wear a face mask when you are going to the health centers. If one did not possess a face mask, one can replace it by closing the mouths upon sneezing, or using a tissue, or the back of the arms,” Oscar said.

People suspected to have contracted COVID-19 are to be taken to a referral hospital. Patients would later have samples of their bodily fluids taken for testing. Patients who test positive are to be treated in isolation wards. If they test negative, they are to receive treatment to relieve their symptoms.

“We also have another protocol for educational units. The Education Agency and Health Agency in the area have to coordinate with each other. They have to provide hand soap and water and they have to put them at strategic places in schools,” Oscar said.

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The Education Ministry’s acting spokesman, Ade Erlangga Masdiana, said that if a student, a teacher, or a student’s parents become infected with the coronavirus and contract COVID-19, the school should coordinate with the Health Agency.

“They [the schools] are also allowed to postpone school activities for 14 days,” Ade said. (dpk)