A medical worker calls his colleague inside an isolated ward at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan, the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak, in Hubei province, China February 13, 2020. China Daily via REUTERS

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of Jakarta Health Agency, Widyastuti, announced to have received more than 2,000 reports of people showing symptoms similar to those of a coronavirus suspect since January 27. The symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Head of the COVID-19 mitigation team Catur Leswanto said the reports are mainly driven by panic and confusion regarding the early symptoms of people infected by the coronavirus. Which is why many immediately filed reports once they experienced shortness of breath or coughs.

“Whereas in fact, they are experiencing the regular flu and cough. Don’t perceive the 2,000 reports as definite coronavirus cases. No, that’s not the case,” said Catur.

However, Catur assured that the reports would be followed-up by the health agency to separate between possible coronavirus suspects and reports on the common cold.

“As of now, only two people are tested positive. But the sense of panic has started to strike,” said Catur. “Search for the correct information to prevent such panic.”

Furthermore, the city’s health agency warned residents of Jakarta who are showing health issues related to fever and shortness of breath to immediately contact the coronavirus mitigation hotline by dialing 112 or 119. There is also 081388376955 that connects callers to the Jakarta Health Agency.

IMAM HAMDI