COVID-19 Task Force: Vaccination Must Be Implemented Parallel with Health Protocols

Head of the COVID-19 National Task Force Doni Monardo. (Photo by: Documentation of Cabinet Secretariat)

The COVID-19 vaccination program must be implemented in parallel with health protocols, Head of the COVID-19 National Task Force Doni Monardo has said.

“President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo always reminds the Ministers and Head of Task Force that the vaccines should not make all of us neglect health protocols,” Doni said after witnessing the arrival of 15 million doses of the third phase Sinovac’s vaccine raw materials, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Tuesday (12/1).

For that reason, Doni urged all parties to remain disciplined in implementing the 3M health protocols (mask-wearing, hands-washing, and physical-distancing).

“I invite all Indonesian people to raise compliance with the health protocols since this is our main key to break the chain of transmission,” he said.

The discipline, he added, will be not enough if it is only implemented by oneself; thus, it should be also developed and spread to all the people around us.

“All of us, the Indonesian people, must understand that the vaccines must be parallel with discipline and compliance. The discipline is not enough for ourselves only, it must be developed and spread to all those around us,” Doni said.

On that occasion, Doni, who also serves as Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), mentioned a spike in COVID-19 cases after the year-end holidays.

“In November last year, we recorded the lowest rate of active cases at 12.12 percent with a cumulative rate of 54,000 people. As of yesterday, we recorded 123,000 active cases. This means that there is an increase of more than twofold at around 122 percent,” he added.

Doni went on to say that the Government has taken various measures and efforts to curb the COVID-19 as directed by the President.

He also cited an example of Health Minister’s efforts to increase hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients, including the availability of isolation and ICU bed occupancy rates.

In this regard, the Head of Task Force also urged all regions across the country to be more prepared in controlling and handling COVID-19.

“All regions should be well-prepared, including providing COVID-19 posts at the provincial, regency/city, village and sub-district levels to monitor the developments occurred in the regions and take preventive measures as determined by the Government,” Doni stated.

On that occasion, Doni also expressed hope that cooperation with all components of society can improve the handling of COVID-19.

“We hope that the handling of COVID-19 in the country will improve through cooperation with all components as the strength of the nation,” he said. (DND/UN) (RIF/MUR)