Creative Measures Needed

Kompas

Active Cases of Covid-19 in Indonesia

Fears that Covid-19 cases could spike following Lebaran have now become a reality, with various regions reporting a surge.

According to Health Ministry data as of Tuesday (15/6/2021), 8,161 Covid-19 cases and 164 Covid-19 deaths have been reported across the country. The figure may not appear as drastic as, for example, the 14,224 new cases reported on 16 Jan. However, the reported figure of new cases exceeds the new daily cases in May, such as the 2,385 new cases reported on 15 May. The current situation has also ended the downward trend in new Covid-19 cases observed in April and May.

The current spike in daily cases has occurred almost evenly across Java. Starting in Kudus, Central Java, and Bangkalan, East Java, a daily spike in new cases is also being reported in Jakarta. National Covid-19 task force spokesman Wiku Adisasmito said that Jakarta capital province has reported the highest daily spike, increasing more than 300 percent over a 10-day period.

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This time, the spike in Covid-19 cases was partly due to the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, the Delta variant that was first detected in India. This variant is more contagious, causes more severe disease and can evade the immune system.

But this is not the first time Covid-19 cases have surged. In fact, the pattern has been that a surge occurs after a long holiday. In 2020, for example, surges occurred after Idul Adha and Independence Day, as well as the Christmas and New Year year-end holiday. Increased mobility and lack of strict compliance with the health protocols are the most frequently mentioned culprits.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Residents of Griya Melati Housing, Bubulak, Bogor City, West Java, received an injection of the Covid-19 vaccine, Tuesday (15/6/2021). Previously, this residential area had become one of the housing cluster red zones after it was found that 96 of its residents were confirmed positive for Covid-19.

Managing the outbreak remains the same, even during a pandemic. Community mobility must be restricted, testing and tracing should be intensified and healthcare facilities should be prepared. Moreover, public awareness of the health protocols and their compliance should be increased. All these comprise the formula for overcoming the pandemic, as many people should already know.

Nevertheless, amid the economic pressures and general fatigue of the pandemic, more creative ways are needed to implement this formula. Public communication needs urgent improvement, especially in increasing awareness over implementing the health protocols. This will require simpler language and must involve more parties.

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The meeting between Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud M.D. and Alim Ulama to discuss the Covid-19 response, held in Bangkalan on Tuesday (15/6/2021), should be viewed as a breakthrough for replicating in other areas. That is to say, by paying close attention to the condition in each region.

It is also very important for the elite to set an example. The elite should not be excused from doing what the public are prohibited from doing during the pandemic. Those members of the elite who violate these prohibitions, such as holding gatherings, should be severely penalized. This way, not only will the pandemic be overcome more quickly, but the elite and those in power will also maintain their prestige in the eyes of the people.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.