Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Papua1 Province: An Increase in Case Numbers and the Challenges Ahead

Abstract

Though some provinces in Indonesia have seen a decline in new COVID-19 cases or begun to show signs of stabilisation, others’ numbers continue to increase. Papua Province is experiencing a daily increase in positive cases of COVID-19. As of 24 May 2020, the number of reported positive cases in Papua Province had reached 629, making Papua one of the provinces with the highest recorded number of cases in Indonesia.2 This In Brief focuses on Papua Province with an emphasis on Jayapura and Mimika, the epicentres of COVID-19 in the province. It discusses factors contributing to the increase in cases and how the provincial government has endeavoured to contain transmission.