Suherdjoko, Semarang – A recovered COVID-19 patient in Central Java has recounted his experience fighting the disease and called on the general public to protect each other's health by not going back to their hometowns for the Idul Fitri mudik (exodus).
"I'm asking everyone to stay where you are during this pandemic. Don't mudik, you could spread the virus to your family," the patient, identified only as Robby, told Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo during a phone call on Sunday.
Robby, a tour guide, was treated for 16 days in the Moewardi Hospital in Surakarta, Central Java. He tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after returning from Bali.
He had suffered a fever while in Bali and decided to go back to his home in Surakarta. But when he arrived at the airport, he was immediately transferred to the hospital.
"Thank God, now I've been declared negative I was so exhausted but the doctors and nurses always supported me and did their best, it gave me the motivation to get better," he said.
He further expressed his hope that the pandemic would be over soon and that people would not discriminate against former patients like him and support them instead.
Purwanti, another recovered patient, also shared her experience undergoing treatment.
She said that she contracted the disease from her late husband, who died of COVID-19 after reportedly contracting the virus at a seminar in Bogor, West Java.
"I didn't feel any symptoms but I tested positive. Now after receiving treatment, I have been declared negative for COVID-19," she said.
Ganjar said he had called the two patients to hear their stories and how they fought to recover. "I hope other people can learn from the stories and be inspired," he said.
He went on to ask the general public to play their part in curbing the spread of COVID-19. "Stay at home unless it's very urgent. And please end the stigma against COVID-19 patients, they need our prayers and support," he said.
As of Monday, there were 81 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Central Java, with seven deaths. (aly)