BNPB Sends Three Million Face Masks to Papua for National Sport

BNPB sends three million face masks, 3,000 box of antigen test kits, and 500,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to Papua province to support the health protocols enforcement during PON. (Source: BNPB.go.id)

To support the implementation of health protocols during the national sporting (PON) event which to be held next month in Papua province, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has sent three million face masks to the province.

“[The measure] aims to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through behavioral changes and support for health management,” said Chairperson of the the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Ganip Warsito as quoted from the official BNPB website, Wednesday (22/9).

The aid will be distributed in a number of venues for the PON XX and is provided for the general public and those who will watch the match live.

In addition to face masks, the BNPB also sent 3,000 boxes of antigen test kits and 500,000 bottles of hand sanitizer as well as family tents, velbeds, booth tents, and several other supporting logistical assistances.

As of Wednesday (22/9), some of logistical assistances has arrived in Papua province. The distribution of aid will be given to areas where the sporting event is held, such as in Jayapura city, Jayapura regency, Mimika regency, and Merauke regency.

The BNPB together with the central and regional COVID-19 Handling Task Forces and other relevant parties in the region will assist the distribution of the logistics.

The BNPB also operates ‘mask cars’ to reach a wider community. In addition, the BNPB and the COVID-19 Task Force also prepare and train regional volunteers to educate and monitor the public to be disciplined in implementing health protocols.

Ganip explained that the assistances are also aimed to increase the readiness of each individual in dealing with the threat of other disasters which might occur during the event.

“The central BNPB and the regional BNPB will be ready to anticipate potential hazards associated with natural disasters. The BNPB has also coordinated with regional BNPB to prepare its personnel in ensuring signs of safe evacuation routes from COVID-19 or gathering points,” he said.

For the record, PON XX Papua will hold competitions in 37 sports involving more than 6,000 athletes and 3,000 people from the coaching team. The main venue will take place at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in East Sentani in Jayapura. This sporting event will take place from 2 to 15 October. (BNPB/UN) (EST/EP)