The government would adjust COVID-19-related policies, taking into account the controlled transmission rate and the increase in socioeconomic activities.
By
DEONISIA ARLINTA, MAWAR KUSUMA WULAN, WILLY MEDI CHRISTIAN NABABAN
·3 minutes read
IVAN DWI KURNIA PUTRA
Passengers pushing suitcases to get into the train at Pasar Senen Station, Central Jakarta, Monday (19/12/2022).
JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Remaining vigilant and exercising caution are crucial amid the easing of restrictions during the current conditions of the pandemic. Even though adjustments will be made, health protocols and COVID-19 vaccinations will be prioritized as interventions within the community.
National COVID-19 task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito said in an online press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (22/12/2022), the government would adjust COVID-19-related policies, taking into account the controlled transmission rate and the increase in socioeconomic activities. Pandemic restrictions will be adjusted according to the condition.
“Adjustments will be made while prioritizing health protocols, vaccinations, surveillance and communication with the public in order to increase and maintain herd immunity. That is what all institutions and society must work toward,” he said.
Wiku said changes to government policies must also be accompanied by the people’s discipline in maintaining their health. Only then can there be a smooth transition from a pandemic to an endemic while COVID-19 transmissions are under control.
Even though Indonesia is now entering the endemic phase, the people must remain vigilant. The World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to revoke the pandemic status.
“Several countries still do not have COVID-19 under control. We must exercise caution. Everyday activities can be carried out as usual, but wear a mask, wash your hands diligently with soap or use a hand sanitizer,” he said.
MAWAR KUSUMA WULAN/KOMPAS
Vice President Ma'ruf Amin exercised in the Beach Area at the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Nusa Dua Bali on Friday (23/12/2022) morning. Tourists ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays on the island of Bali have started to recover after previously being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
A report from the task force showed that daily COVID-19 active cases across Indonesia have fallen by 52 percent in the last five weeks. Additionally, weekly positive cases have decreased by 76.9 percent in the last five weeks. Recoveries are maintained at 97 percent over the last two months, while fatalities have fallen by 12 percent in the last three weeks.
“[COVID-19] cases in Indonesia continue to decline despite the emergence of new variants. There are hopes to lift the PPKM [public activity restrictions]. We will see after Christmas and New Year,” said Vice President Ma’ruf Amin in his opening remarks at the Second ASEAN Islamic Conference in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.
Trisakti University public policy observer Trubus Rahadiansyah deemed that it was too soon to lift the PPKM. Pandemic control across the country has not been as optimal as in Jakarta, as it is still difficult to access vaccines.
[COVID-19] cases in Indonesia continue to decline despite the emergence of new variants.
Christmas and New Year Holidays
According to Wiku, there needs to be increased vigilance of COVID-19 transmissions, especially during Christmas and the 2023 New Year holidays. A number of regulations were issued, including Health Ministerial circular No. 3984/2022 concerning preparedness for the 2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year holidays and COVID-19 task force circular No. 24/2022 concerning health protocols during domestic travel.
Citizens traveling domestically, especially those aged 6-12 years who have not been vaccinated, must have a statement from a health facility that they are unvaccinated. Children who have not been vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent who has been fully vaccinated and has also received a booster shot. “During the Christmas and New Year holidays, it is likely that 44.7 million people will be traveling. It is important to keep the people around us healthy,” he said.
Head of the University of Indonesia’s faculty of medicine’s community medicine department, Restno Asti Werdhani, said vaccines were the best way to protect everyone against COVID-19. According to the evidence, vaccination protects against serious illness.
