Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - A total of 96 doctors in Riau Islands province have tested positive for COVID-19, with four of them succumbing to the infection, according to the local chapter of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI).
"The four doctors dying (of the COVID-19) comprised two in Tanjungpiang City, one in Batam City, and one in Natuna district," chief of the IDI chapter Rusdani said here on Wednesday.
He said the 96 doctors exposed to COVID-19 included 82 in Batam City, four in Tanjuingpinang, four in Natuna district, three in Karimun district, one in Anambas district, one in Lingga district, and one in Bintan district.
Most of the doctors have recovered from the infection, and only a few others are undergoing self-isolation at their homes, he informed.
Rusdani said most of the doctors were exposed to COVID-19 while they were traveling to other regions and treating patients.
"Most of them were exposed to the virus while treating COVID-19 patients at hospitals," he stated.
He did not deny that doctors are also at high risk of contracting the virus since they serve as front-liners in the battle against coronavirus.
Doctors treating COVID-19 patients also need to comply with health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping physical distance, he said.
He also called on doctors, particularly on-duty doctors, to remain disciplined in wearing personal protective equipment while performing their duties.
Four doctors die because of COVID-19 in Riau Islands
Illustration - Doctors from the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Riau Islands province pose for a photo with a COVID-19 patient in recovery. (ANTARA/Ogen)
