Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The management of Jayapura Provita Hospital decided to shut down all health services, including the emergency unit (IGD), from Friday, after its 54 health workers tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"Unfortunately, we are left with no choice but to stop all health services at the hospital, as several health workers and staff members are contracting COVID-19," Director of Provita Hospital Dr Asmi Justina Wismaningrum stated here on Friday morning.

The decision was taken owing to a significant decline in the number of health workers at the hospital and the plan to spray disinfectant in the entire hospital building.

Wismaningrum confirmed that of the 54 infected health workers, two had recovered.

Currently, 18 other health workers and employees are awaiting the results of swab tests that they underwent.

The hospital treated nine non-COVID-19 patients and 46 health workers testing positive for the novel coronavirus disease.

Although seven of its infected health workers opted for being treated at home by their families, the hospital has given them medicines and monitored them regularly.

The tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jayapura City reached 1,442. As many as 513 people recovered, while 17 people succumbed to the disease.

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