Minister: Housewives and Women’s Organizations Play Important Role to Curb Household Transmission

Dialog of Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection with Spokesperson of COVID-19 Task Force on Friday (25/9). (Photo: BPMI)

Participation of family members, particulary housewives and women’s organizations, is pivotal to suppress the transmission of COVID-19 virus, Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Bintang Puspa Yoga has said.

Data as of 25 September 2020 showed that the number of active cases reached 60,431 cases from more than 1,100 clusters including family cluster.

Bintang said that she has coordinated with the COVID-19 Handling Task Force in disseminating the dangers of COVID-19 massively and both institutions are currently designing a Family Health Protocol.

“In our ministry, we have launched ‘Berjarak’ (Together Protect Our Families) campaign since April. It is a campaign to prevent family cluster as much as possible by avoiding physical gatherings with extended families and urge the public to do it online instead,” she said in a dialog with the Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force Reisa on Friday (25/9).

Ministry of PPPA has also involved women’s organizations to suppress the spread of the virus, such as the Empowerment of Family Welfare (PKK), the Dharma Wanita (Organization of Civil Servant Wives), the Dharma Pertiwi (Association of Soldiers’ Wives), the Kowani (Indonesian Women’s Congress) and other similar organizations in Indonesia by conducting massive dissemination.

In addition, Ministry of PPPA already has a network of Child Forums which spread across 34 provinces, 451 districts/cities and thousands of sub-districts and villages. “Children across the country have been very creative and innovative in disseminating 3M (wearing masks, keeping distance and avoiding crowd). We hope that those steps can reduce the family cluster,” she said.

Bintang also reminded the public to contact the nearest health center or local health office if  their family members are infected by the virus . The health office will then report to the COVID-19 Task Force in their respective regions and the medical cost will be paid by the Government.

“During this pandemic we have to think positively. Behind challenges, there are opportunities. For those who rarely work out and exercise, this is the best time to start exercising. This is the positive side that will become our lifestyle in the future,” she said.

Bintang then reminded families in Indonesia to work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and suppress transmission in the family cluster.

On that occasion, Reisa also explained five steps to avoid transmission in the family cluster. First, understand correctly how the COVID-19 is transmitted. Second, always follow health protocols including protocols when arrive at home. Third, aware of the health condition of each family member at home, including if someone is sick, they must wear a mask. Fourth, consume balanced nutrition and exercise regularly. Fifth, create a positive atmosphere at home, eliminate hoaxes and avoid things that can trigger anxiety attack.

“Let us prevent the cases from home. Protect our children, parents and relatives. Do the aforementioned five steps. Enjoy a healthy weekend with your family,” she said. (Communication Team of the COVID-19 Handling Working Committee and PEN / EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana