Gov’t to Intensify Vaccination, Health Protocol Despite Drop in COVID-19 Cases

A press statement after the Limited Cabinet Meeting on Evaluation of Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) on Monday (01/11). (Photo by: PR/Jay)

The Government remains vigilant although the current national COVID-19 pandemic situation has been improving, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy has announced.

“Nevertheless, there are around 131 regencies and cities still experiencing the rising trend of cases,” Muhadjir said in a press statement after the Limited Cabinet Meeting on Evaluation of Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) held virtually, Monday (01/11).

According to Muhadjir, the Government continues to strengthen 3T (testing, tracing, and treatment) and he urged all element of society to remain discipline in observing health protocol. The Government has also taken measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays to prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The Government also pays special attention to Bali province which will host various large and international-scale events throughout 2022. “Ministry of Health will conduct a trial for international events in Bali, so regional leaders can find out which measures to be taken if one should hold international events,” Muhadjir said.

To curb the COVID-19 transmission in limited in-person learning, Muhadjir continued, the Government through Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and Ministry of Religious Affairs will create an app that are integrated with PeduliLindungi app for tracing purposes.

For travelers, Muhadjir stated that it is enough for them to use antigen test result as health document requirements for air travel in Java and Bali regions, the same as that which has been applied to non-Bali areas outside Java.

Furthermore, the Government continues to boost national vaccination drives to achieve herd immunity. “The vaccination target for December 2021 is 291.6 million, of which 80.9 percent for the first dose and 59.1 percent for the second dose,” Muhadjir said.

In addition, the Government will also continue to expand vaccination coverage for the elderly. Meanwhile, vaccination for children will be carried out after obtaining a permit and the initial stage will be implemented in areas with high vaccination rates for the elderly, he remarked. (TGH/UN) (GWH/LW)