People wearing protective face masks stand in line to scan a barcode before entering the Pondok Indah shopping mall, in South Jakarta, on August 13, 2021. (Photo:Reuters) National COVID-19 Task Force spokesman Wiku Adisasmitosaid COVID-19 trends in Indonesia had shown positive signs of being undercontrol, especially as the World Health Organisation (WHO) had lifted thePublic Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status of COVID-19.
He said the task force had issued a new circularletter, dated June 9, 2023, with the latest and more relaxed health protocolsfor both domestic and international travels, large-scale activities and onpublic facilities, while residents are still urged to take personal care andresponsibilities in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
According to the circular, people who are healthy andnot at risk of spreading or being infected with COVID-19 are allowed to not wearmasks.
However, COVID-19 vaccinations are still encouraged until the second booster shot or the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine,especially for the vulnerable population such as the elderly and people withcomorbidities.
People who feel unwell or are at risk of spreading coronavirus are advised to use face masks, as well as practice social distancingand avoid crowds.
Carrying a hand sanitizer and washing hands with soapand water are also still encouraged to prevent the spread of the virus,especially after touching public surfaces.
The use of SatuSehat, the health platform from therelaunched COVID-19 testing and tracing app PeduliLindungi, is also recommendedto monitor personal health.
Meanwhile, operators and organisers of transportation means, public facilities and large-scale activities together with regionaladministrations should take preventive steps to control thespread of COVID-19.
Wiku said while the World Health Organization (WHO)had not yet declared that the COVID-19 pandemic was over, Indonesia mustprepare for the disease’s transition into an endemic with the latest healthprotocols that emphasised personal and collective responsibility in preventingthe spread of COVID-19.
As of June 9, Indonesia recorded 190 new dailyconfirmed cases, bringing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 6,809,821 sincethe first case was confirmed on March 2, 2020./.
VNA
