Oekusipost.com Dili - The Government of Timor-Leste has submitted its plan to the President of the Republic to add another month for national emergency because the number of positive cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has now increased by 23 cases.
Data from the government showed that on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 6 pm, there were 361 cases that were suspected, 80 people had conducted laboratory tests and were still waiting for the results, there were 23 positive cases and 254 people were stated negative.
Even though positive cases are increasing, according to the COVID-19 prevention and mitigation coordinator, doctor Sergio Lobo stated, among the positive numbers there were only two people with symptoms, and the others had no symptoms, but they still had to stay in isolation room to get intensive medical treatment because it has been exposed to this virus but shows no symptoms.
Requests from the government want to extend this national emergency again from April 27 to May 25, 2020. However, according to a press release accessed by Oe-Kusi Post in the presidential office that before the President of the Republic announces a second national emergency, the president will seek approval from members national parliament.
"After obtaining approval from the National Parliament, the President will announce a second national emergency," the President of the Republic Francisco Guterres Lú Olo said in a press release on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
The positive case of COVID-19 in Timor-Leste is increasing day by day, and this is the basis for the government asking the president to extend the national emergency period.
The consequences of the national emergency since March 27 have had a negative impact on the domestic economy, especially small communities who have experienced hunger and also lost many jobs because all economic activity in the country has not been running so far.
But the government has also prepared funds of around $ 250 million to provide subsidies to small communities who have experienced difficulties during the national emergency.
