ASEC completes second round of COVID-19 tests supported by Indonesia

The ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) staff completed a second round of rapid antibody tests for COVID-19 today.

The tests were done to prevent and control COVID-19 transmission among officials, staff and personnel working in ASEC premises and support the ongoing community surveillance of the disease transmission in Jakarta. The first round of tests took place on 16 and 17 June.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) supported the rapid antibody testing with their donation of personal protective equipment and 2,000 rapid test kits. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Red Cross deployed their medical teams to administer the tests.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Michael Tene received the donation from Secretary-General of MoH Indonesia Dr. Oscar Primadi in a ceremony held on 4 June.

Tene appreciated MoH Indonesia’s support to ASEC which will further contribute to eradicating the spread of COVID-19. The tests also complement the public health and social measures taken by ASEC in preventing COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

Dr Primadi stated that it’s an honour for MOH to protect ASEC staff who have assisted Member States in achieving ASEAN’s vision of a peaceful, stable and resilient community, and in enhancing its collective response to COVID-19 pandemic.

Since Jakarta has become the second home for many ASEC staff, Primadi added that the ministry’s support is in line with the Indonesian government’s efforts to reduce infections and protect ASEAN citizens who are living in Indonesia.

Indonesia MoH is the current Chair of the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting and the Senior Officials Meeting for Health Development for 2020 and 2021. They currently lead the ASEAN Health Sector in the regional prevention, detection and response to COVID-19.