Indonesia working closely with Singapore to prevent spread of Covid-19 to its borders

Indonesia's Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto speaking to journalists at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta, on Feb 15. EPA

JAKARTA (The Straits Times/ANN): Indonesian Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto said on Monday (Feb 17) that Singapore is not the "epicentre" of the coronavirus outbreak despite the rise in the number of confirmed cases in the Republic. He also said the immigration and health authorities of the two countries are working together to prevent infected patients from entering Indonesia.

"We are working with the Singapore (health) ministry as well as the immigration. They always warn us whenever anyone is infected," he told reporters. "Please don't be confused. Singapore is not the epicentre, but mainland China is, as declared by the World Health Organization."