Ali Mukhni, who heads the Padang Pariaman regency administration in West Sumatra, has tested positive for the coronavirus, his deputy confirmed, despite shielding himself with the supposed antiviral powers of eucalyptus.
Padang Pariaman Deputy Regent Suhatri Bur said a swab test revealed that Ali was infected with the coronavirus on Sunday after his recent trip to Jakarta.
“Looking at his travel history, he recently spent five days in Jakarta. I assume he was exposed there, even though he was wearing the antivirus necklace,” Suhatri said.
Suhatri was referring to the eucalyptus-based “antivirus necklace” developed by the Agriculture Ministry. The necklace, which contains the plant eucalyptus sealed inside a small, flat plastic packaging, is said to be able to kill 80 percent of SARS-CoV-2 if worn for 30 minutes.
The dubious claim drew ridicule nationwide, only for Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto to later defend the necklace for its possible placebo effects.
Incidentally, authorities locked down parts of the Agriculture Ministry office in South Jakarta yesterday after some employees tested positive for the coronavirus.
At any rate, Ali said he was not exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms and is now in self-isolation. Some 200 of his staff underwent swab tests yesterday, while members of his family have already tested negative for the coronavirus.
