Indonesia reports 2nd death from coronavirus

By Erric Permana

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AA) - Indonesia's president on Friday confirmed the country's second death from coronavirus, the infection that has claimed over 4,900 lives in 123 countries or territories since last December.

Speaking to reporters after monitoring prevention measures at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, President Joko Widodo said two people have so far died from the virus. He did not provide any further details on the victims.

The government, he said, had taken serious steps to deal with the pandemic, but did not want to instill panic among the people. "We have to remain calm," he added.

Earlier this week, Achmad Yurianto, a government spokesman for virus-related developments, said a 53-year-old woman -- a foreign citizen -- died from the virus, marking the country's first death.

Indonesia has confirmed 34 COVID-19 cases so far.

Common signs of the infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, and covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

*Writing by Rhany Chairunissa Rufinaldo