Covid-19 has brought havoc again with a surge in daily active cases. People who’ve gradually started to get their lives together, suddenly have to face yet another uncertainty again. Wisma Atlet, the Covid-19 emergency hospital, began to be crowded with Covid-19 patients. Two patients who had been treated at Wisma Atlet shared their stories with Jakarta Smart City.

Norma Rani, Employee and Freelancer, Jakarta

Rani has been undergoing treatment at Wisma Atlet since January 27, 2022. A few days earlier, she had been feeling unwell. At first, Rani thought she was just tired, but over time her breathing got heavier, her coughing got worse, and she had a fever of 38.8°C. Worried, she took an antigen test and a PCR test. In fifteen minutes, the antigen test showed a reactive result. At that time, Rani was still able to do activities, even though she felt weak at times. After discussing with her sister who is also a doctor, Rani decided to go to Kebayoran Baru Regional Public Hospital the next day.

Super busy emergency room

With a bag filled with clothes and the antigen test results, Rani arrived at the emergency room at the Kebayoran Baru, which turned out to be very crowded. The crowd probably came from people who are Covid-19 positive, or those who had dengue fever, as this month is usually the peak. Like it or not, Rani had to wait patiently for the next assessment. While in the hospital, she had to undergo various tests such as a thorax scan and blood test. The hospital also supplies Rani with the medicines she needs.

“When I was at the hospital, I got all the medicine. There are antiviral drugs and medicines for all the symptoms that I feel. The hospital gave it all to me,” said Rani.

While waiting quietly in the hospital, Rani also had to wait for her PCR test result. Once the result was out, the hospital advised her to self-isolate or go to the Wisma Atlet because the hospital capacity won’t be enough to treat all patients. After much deliberation, Rani decided to be referred to Wisma Atlet. The hospital quickly collected Rani’s documents to fulfill administrative needs before her leave.

“The documents that you need to collect are Family Cards, BPJS Kesehatan, and PCR  results. I sent it via WhatsApp to Kebayoran Baru Hospital.”

After completing the administration, Rani waited again. With her unhealthy condition, she actually hoped that she could just be treated in this hospital. But, what can she do? The hospital capacity isn’t enough.

Heading to Wisma Atlet

At 11 pm, Rani was woken up by hospital staff. Wisma Atlet has replied to Kebayoran Baru Hospital.

“I was woken up, still half asleep. The staff told me to take medicine. There was a medicine that had to be taken twelve hours in advance. Then, I was told, later (at Wisma Atlet) I’ll be quarantined in Tower 4,” said Rani.

In the middle of the night, Rani departed from the Kebayoran Baru Hospital for the Kemayoran Athlete’s Wisma with two health workers in an ambulance. Arriving at the location, Rani was shocked. She didn’t expect Wisma Atlet to be so crowded, given the fact it was already midnight.

“I thought, since it was in the middle of the night, it’s going to be quiet, right? But it was crowded. Very crowded. The room was filled with the sound of coughs, everyone coughed. People were carrying their suitcases. I just waited to be called. Then, I took a blood pressure test. They checked my weight and height, my blood sugar, then gave me a hospital bracelet. After everything was recorded, I waited again. And then they check my history, what are my symptoms, what drugs have been given, are there any drug allergies, or am I on diet. At Wisma Atlet, treatment is given based on symptoms. Some have to undergo PCR tests, thorax scans, and blood tests again. But, since I already had the results from the hospital, I didn’t need to be tested again. It was a long wait. About 2-3 hours,” said Rani about the condition of the Wisma Atlet on January 27, 2022.

If the number of cases continues to worsen, it’s likely that Wisma Atlet will be full again. Of the four towers for patients, three towers (4, 5, 6) have been reopened. According to Rani, while she was there, Tower 7 had already opened to accommodate new patients. The rooms that were previously filled with one patient, now have to be maximized up to three patients.

Finding new community and Bangminton Cobra

Even though Rani wasn’t in good health, she was still grateful for the days she spent  at Wisma Atlet. In the room where she was quarantined, Rani met new friends who shared the same frequency as her. She even found a community which they named Bangminton Cobra. Who would’ve thought, from being complete strangers, the closeness they shared together in Wisma Atlet continued even after they’re discharged.

“We exercised, played badminton in the morning. In the evening, we sang and played guitar together. We even get to know each other’s birthday, as it was stated on our hospital bracelet. We made a surprise and bought a cake as well,” Rani recalls.

Empathy for our health workers

While being treated at Wisma Atlet, Rani admitted that all staff treated them well. However, there was also unpleasant behavior coming from the patients that bothered other patients and health workers who were just doing their job.

“I pity the staff. What if the health workers suddenly collapse, wouldn’t it be stressful too? We need to give our empathy,” said Rani. She continued, “There was a time when the case went down a lot, and so the personnel had been sent home. But now they’re being sent back again (to the Wisma Atlet), they may be shocked too. Yes, there are things that need to be improved. For example, at the beginning, the medicine took a long time to arrive, there was a shortage of food. But it’s still understandable, so we need to appreciate it. What I wanna say is, thank you very much to all health workers and all employees at Wisma Atlet. I really appreciate it.”

Supriyana

Supriyana went through his treatment at Wisma Atlet last year, in March 2021. When he was confirmed positive for Covid-19, Pulo Gadung Public Health Center referred him and his family to Wisma Atlet. All administrative needs were facilitated by Pulo Gadung Public Health Center. As he was referred to Wisma Atlet, he actually was really worried. At that time, the cases were high, and a lot of people died.

“Those who were confirmed positive, were gathered at the health center. There were about 20 people. We left with an ambulance and the yellow school bus. People with severe symptoms were in an ambulance, and the rest were in the school bus,” he explained. Arriving at Wisma Atlet, Supriyana admitted that he was still carried away by the stigma that said Wisma Atlet was a scary place. Fortunately, this wasn’t the reality. The facilities provided for patients are enough and there are staff who are ready to assist the patient’s needs.

“Medicines, food are also given. After arriving, the next day there were procedures that needed to be taken, such as x-rays examination.” According to Supriyana, he had pleasant days during his quarantine at Wisma Atlet. He was glad because he was able to make new friends. However, just like a hospital filled with people with various health conditions, he also heard somber news.

“What’s sad is, there are friends who have stayed for a month but still can’t be discharged. Meanwhile, there are also people who only stayed for nine days and have already been discharged. Earlier, we had a talk with this one friend, then that night he was in critical condition, and the next day he’s gone. That’s sad. That's what scared us the most, a sudden death. At that time, the ambulances constantly come and go, maybe taking them to Pondok Ranggon (burial site), or somewhere,” Supriyana told the story. For those who had to quarantine in Wisma Atlet, he added, “You have to be able to accept the conditions. You can’t be afraid, you have to be happy so that your immune system will strengthen. If we follow the rules, you’ll be healthy soon. But if you just stay in your room, sit, and not move around, your recovery would take longer.”

The Pandemic Won’t End Without Our Help

We’ve heard it all and can’t help getting anxious again. The Covid-19 cases have skyrocketed lately due to the spread of the Omicron variant. The news reported, these new cases scored the highest number since July 2021. With that being said, let’s keep up our protection and don’t let us lose this battle again. Keep yourself safe by complying to the health protocols, and if you’re among the privileged ones who can afford to work and study from home, make the most of this luxury. Let’s protect our health workers who’ve worked relentlessly, putting themselves at risk of being exposed to the virus while treating thousands of patients. Lastly, don’t forget to invite your family and friends to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Let’s be healthy together!