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THE TERM Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) level-3 is no longer used to prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases, instead the government implements travel rules.
Through the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 60 of 2021 concerning Prevention and Control of Corona Virus Disease 2019 at Christmas 2012 and New Year Eve 2022, the government has tightened the requirements for long-distance travel using all modes of transportation.
This rule states that travelers may carry out mobility as long as they have received a full or two dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Meanwhile, someone who has just received one dose, is prohibited from traveling.
This policy also received support from the Head of Professional Development of the Association of Indonesian Epidemiologists (PAEI) Dr. Masdalina Pane to anticipate the increase in COVID-19 cases during Christmas 2021 and New Year Eve 2022.
“I agree that if he has been vaccinated twice, he can mobilize, if he has not been vaccinated, then at home. That is also to encourage vaccination,” said Masdalina when contacted by antara some time ago.
Apart from having to get a second dose of vaccination, another requirement for long-distance travel is to have a negative COVID-19 document from the 1×24 hour antigen test result. Children under 12 years old are still allowed to travel, but are accompanied by negative COVID-19 documents from the 3X24 hour PCR test results.
If on the way a positive test result is found, the perpetrator must self-isolate or isolate in a place that has been prepared to prevent transmission. For people who have not done a complete vaccination or have just received one dose, long-distance travel is prohibited. Likewise, for someone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
“The toddler is dependent on his parents and doesn’t have a vaccine, he can go as long as the health protocol is strict,” Masdalina noted.
The importance of getting vaccinated
New Year’s Eve is always synonymous with celebration, whether with family or friends. Gatherings are also very difficult to avoid even if only held at home.
Basically, get together if with the same person or every day together is not a problem. What is dangerous is if you have a party outside the house and meet other unknown communities.
“The main point is prokes, if you want to have a party at home, don’t be too crowded, then also continue to wear masks, if you eat, keep your distance to avoid infection,” Masdalina informed.
Masdalina explained that this is where it is important that one should get the full dose of vaccinations. If necessary, the public may act decisively on extended families not to gather if there are those who have not been fully vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine has many benefits, including increasing immunity from exposure to the corona virus and preventing new mutations.
In terms of long-distance travel requirements, Masdalina revealed that antigen testing is not really needed for domestic areas. Evidence of the second dose of vaccination is effective enough to anticipate an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“If it’s domestic, we cover it, it means that we are already in community transmission, if it’s in community transmission, it means that transmission can happen anywhere, not just in modes of transportation,” Masdalina added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) targets every country to vaccinate at least 10% of its population by the end of September 2021. At least 40% by the end of 2021 and 70% of the world’s population by mid-2022. Indonesia itself has a target of 70% to vaccinate its population until the end of 2021. She considers this figure to be quite large, but he believes the target set by WHO.
“If 40% will be achieved. We should just return it to the national vaccination system, that the vaccination is carried out near the community, where is it? Yes, public health centers, vaccines 1 and 2, yes, public health centers,” Masdalina underlined.
Keep the health protocol
Based on data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, until December 13, 2021, the positivity rate in Indonesia is 0.1%. This figure is said to be very low and the condition of the case is fairly stable.
However, these data should not be ignored and violate health protocols. Because when people start to be careless, COVID-19 can attack again, especially during Christmas and New Year eve. To anticipate this, the public must remain disciplined about health protocols and obey government rules not to create crowds or parties in public places.
“The implementation of health protocols with discipline, even though our cases are very low, this pandemic is not over yet. Those who have not been vaccinated must immediately go to the community service center to get the vaccine,” she said.
Meanwhile, epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Public Health (FKM UI) Pandu Riono said that he did not see any indication that a third wave of COVID-19 would occur in Indonesia. However, the public must be very aware of the importance of complying with health protocols, even everyone must be firm to save themselves and their families.
“If you want to get together, you can, but it’s the same as those who have been vaccinated. You have to be firm, if you don’t die. In other words, does he really want to kill his family? We don’t see a possibility (wave 3). It is certain that the increase in COVID-19 cases will always occur, but it is hoped that it will not be like in wave 2 which will occur in June-July 2021,” Pandu affirmed.
Pandu added that the most effective anticipation to contain the spike in cases is to implement the PeduliLindungi application consistently. The reason is, not all public places check visitors carefully.
“If you want to enter a public place, monitoring must be carried out, if someone is found to be positive, they are immediately taken to the quarantine center, we know from the PeduliLindungi application but the application is not used consistently. That’s all it is. I also advised the public not to be easily swayed by incorrect information related to vaccinations and COVID-19. If you haven’t been vaccinated, you should do it immediately,” he said.
He also explained that the public must be aware that those who have not been vaccinated must immediately vaccinate. They must make sure that all of them have been vaccinated, apply it.
The rules set by the government during Christmas and New Year eve time should be handled wisely. If you want to gather to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your family, you are expected to adhere to health protocols such as wearing masks, complete vaccinations and do not exceed 50% of the room’s capacity.
Also avoid crowds in public places and report to the local COVID-19 Task Force if you see any violations of health protocols. The community must jointly participate in preventing the spread of the corona virus. [antaranews/photo special]
