Despite Vaccination, Stay Disciplined in Observing Health Protocols: Health Minister

Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin (19/04/2021). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

Indonesia can learn from India on why the number of COVID-19 cases is rising despite successful vaccination there, according to Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin.

“There are two reasons why cases are increasing there. First, there is a new mutation of COVID-19 that is also spread in Indonesia although there are still few incidents. Second, the most important thing is because when they have carried out massive vaccinations and the number of confirmed cases number has decreased, they were not aware anymore. They relaxed health protocols (wearing a face mask, washing hands, and keeping physical distancing),” the Minister said after attending a limited meeting on COVID-19 Pandemic Handling Ahead of Eid Day at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta (19/04/2021).

Therefore, the Minister reminded the public to stay vigilant, to remain disciplined in health protocols, and to remain obedient in micro-scale restrictions on community activity (PPKM Mikro) even though there has been a downward trend of COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia.

“If we remain disciplined, insyaallah, during this year’s Ramadan and Eid Day, there will be not a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases just like in India,” Budi said. (TGH/UN) (AP/EP)