Rumours Lead Indonesians To Sunbathe To Protect Themselves Against COVID-19
The novel coronavirus has infected 9,771 and killed 784 in the country.
By May Vin Ang — 30 Apr 2020, 06:07 PM
Indonesians are heading outdoors to soak up some sunlight in hopes that it would help them ward off the COVID-19 infection
According to AFP, police and military units have incorporated suntanning sessions into their morning routines while many residents of major cities have been flocking to train tracks to get a good dose of unobstructed sunshine.
In the country where the novel coronavirus has infected 9,771 and killed 784 as of 29 April, it seems locals are desperate to try anything to prevent the infection.
It is reported by The Jakarta Post that the virus has spread to all of Indonesia's 34 provinces.
The trend was started by baseless claims on social media that sunlight - and the vitamin D that it produces in our body - can strengthen their immune systems
According to South China Morning Post, their movement was further encouraged when a senior official in the United States said new research has shown that sunlight can destroy the virus.
While the study has not yet been released for review and still awaits external evaluation, Indonesians have already been flocking outside.
"I always avoided the sun before because I didn't want to get tanned. But I'm hoping this will strengthen my immune system," said a 27-year old housewife in Yogyakarta.
"I've just started sunbathing regularly since the pandemic hit. Afterwards, I take a shower and my body feels fitter," another local told AFP on the outskirts of Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Globe reported seeing an old lady screaming "Die, you virus! Go away, corona!" as she did light exercises in the sun in front of her house.
Doctors have since said that sunbathing won't kill the COVID-19 virus
Dr Dirga Sakti Rambe from Jakarta's OMNI Pulomas Hospital explains, "Exposing the body to direct sunlight is good to get vitamin D, not to directly prevent the disease."
He said that 15 minutes of exposure to morning sunshine can be good for people who have been cooped up at home.
The doctor added that vitamin D, which comes from fish, eggs, and milk, requires sunlight for its activation and is important in maintaining a healthy immune system.
However, he clearly states, "Sunbathing does not kill the virus that causes COVID-19".
The Indonesian government has not commented on the validity of the practice but has warned sun-seekers about the dangers of skin cancer and called for people to at least put on sunscreen.
