Indonesian President urges prudent response to COVID-19 surge

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) urged residents to respond prudently to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and get vaccinated in a video broadcast from Bogor Palace, West Java, on April 19, 2023. (Photo: antaranews.com)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on April 19 stressed the importance of a prudent response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, particularly during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period.

While urging residents not to get alarmed over the infection surge, he reminded them to complete their COVID-19 vaccination up to the second booster dose as a precaution.

The President stressed the importance of vaccination, from the first to second doses until the first and second booster doses, adding residents should complete COVID-19 vaccination with full doses according to government directives.

He also urged residents to continue adhering to the health protocols, specifically, use masks if they feel unwell or meet vulnerable individuals.

Earlier, the President had urged homecoming travelers to take the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to their hometowns during the Eid exodus period to avoid infecting others.

He stressed that the most important is vaccination. Booster doses are essential for maintaining immunity against the disease amid high public mobility during the Eid exodus period.

According to statistics, the number of new COVID-19 cases in the country increased to 1,200 on April 18-19.

So far, Indonesia has recorded more than 6.7 million cases, including over 161,000 deaths, accounting for about 2.4%./.