Gov’t Continues to Intensify 3T Despite Decline in Cases

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in a press statement after attending a limited meeting on evaluation of public activity restrictions (PPKM), Monday (27/9). (Source: Presidential Secretariat’s Youtube Channel)

The Government continues to intensify 3T (testing, tracing, and treatment) efforts as part of its long-term strategy in dealing with COVID-19 even though the pandemic situation in the country is getting better.

“Now the average test is 170,000 people per day. The number is already quite good, however our target is actually more than that,” said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in a press statement after a Limited Meeting on Evaluation of the Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM), Monday (27/9).

Although the number of tests continues to increase, the positivity rate remains low, which is below two percent.

“The positivity rate is already below two percent. In fact, it’s already one percent in seven days. We count every seven days and the number is also improving,” he said.

Tracing efforts also continue to increase. Currently, only 26 percent of districts/cities in Java and Bali islands that have limited tracing levels.

“Last week the figure was 36 percent and now it is improved by 10 percent with a limited tracing rate or below five [people] close contacts per confirmation [of cases],” he explained.

The Coordinating Minister also expressed appreciation to the ranks of Ministry of Health, regional governments, as well as the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) who have joined hands to intensify the 3T efforts.

Luhut emphasized that the 3T and 3M efforts (wearing masks, keeping distance, and washing hands), as well as vaccinations will continue to be carried out as strategies in controlling COVID-19.

“So, the combination of testing, Pedulilindungi app, vaccines, and maintain a distance, I think it’s our tool to avoid the next wave of pandemic,” he said. (TGH/UN) (EST/MMB)