The economy still needs space as it begins to stretch and this can be done, of course, without ignoring health protocols so that we can continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
By
Kompas Editor
·3 minutes read
The government canceled the nationwide implementation of level 3 public activity restrictions (PPKM) during the Christmas and New Year holidays and replaced it with special localized restrictions.
Although there are still pros and cons to weigh regarding this sudden decision, the move was welcomed, especially by business players. The economy still needs space as it begins to stretch and this can be done, of course, without ignoring health protocols so that we can continue to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
For almost two years of the pandemic, the government has implemented the PPKM policy to curb the spread of the disease. The policy, based on recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a guide for how people conduct their activities, be it teaching and learning, activities in the office or in various public spaces, to even local and domestic transportation.
There are four tiers of PPKM, with the highest level imposing the strictest restrictions. At level 3 PPKM, only essential sectors are allowed to operate, while others must work from home. Shops, markets, malls, restaurants and street vendors must limit their capacities and close sooner than during level 1 and level 2 PPKM. The same goes for schools and places of worship.
Thus, the previous decision to implement level 3 PPKM nationwide was considered contradictory as it overlooked all the parameters mentioned above.
Various COVID-19-related factors determine the PPKM level. These include the number of cases, the number of deaths and recoveries as well as hospital bed occupancy and vaccination coverage. Thus, the previous decision to implement level 3 PPKM nationwide was considered contradictory as it overlooked all the parameters mentioned above.
Thankfully, the government has canceled the nationwide implementation of level 3 PPKM and replaced it with a special restriction policy. Generally, restrictions will still be enacted during the Christmas and New Year holidays but adjusted to the conditions of each region. Thus, in areas where transmission is still high, they can impose level 3 PPKM or even level 4. On the other hand, areas that have been able to suppress the transmission rate can impose level 2 PPKM or even level 1.
The central government should really implement a “carrot and stick” approach to motivate local administrations to actively increase vaccination coverage, strictly enforce health protocols and continue with the 3Ts, namely testing, tracing and therapy. If successful, all these parameters will point toward low level PPKM.
However, vigilance cannot diminish. There are many ways to avoid a sudden cluster of infections. This can be done through the mandatory antigen or PCR tests for intercity travel, the odd-even plate number policy, required proof of vaccination through the PeduliLindungi tracing app, to even various restrictions imposed by local authorities.
What else is there to do? We all still must hold back. There is nothing wrong with a simple celebration for Christmas and the New Year. Although the rates of transmission, illnesses and deaths have decreased drastically, the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is still on the loose, with even the new Omicron variant in sight.