Regions Must Pass All Stages Before Implementing New Normal Protocols: President Widodo

President Jokowi gives directives on the COVID-19 handling in the Jayang Tinang Hall, Central Kalimantan Province, Thursday (9/7). (Photo by: Teguh/PR).

Before implementing the new normal protocols, a city/regency or province must pass all stages and take into account a precondition and the timing, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“It takes time and process for a city/regency or province to implement the new normal protocol. It must also take into account a precondition and the timing,” the President said in his direction on the COVID-19 handling in Jayang Tinang Hall, Central Kalimantan province, Thursday (9/7).

The President also ordered his staff to prioritize sectors with low, medium, and high risk that need reopening, which must be conducted in stages.

“I appreciate Central Kalimantan provincial government for conducting massive tests. I would like to remind you that massive tests are not enough. Aggressive tracking must also be in place for people under surveillance (ODP) and patient under surveillance (PDP) assisted by the Provincial Military Commander, Regional Police Chief,” he said.

As for the sick, the President added, they should be immediately admitted to the hospital, adding that for those who are healthy but test positive, they must be strictly isolated.

The President also cited an example of cases in capital Jakarta in which those with serious illness are immediately admitted to Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital, while those with moderate-mild illness are sent to the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital.

If the patients are recovered within two weeks, they will be immediately discharged, the President added.

The President also reiterated the Government’s campaign to stop the spread of the virus, including by conducting massive tests, aggressive tracking, and strict isolation as well as by continuing to remind the public to implement health protocols such as by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and avoiding crowds.

On that occasion, the President also called on governors, regents, and mayors that the decision to formulate a policy must be based on scientific data and advice from health experts or scientists.

“Every decision to be made regarding the implementation of new normal protocols must be based on scientific data and inputs from experts,” the President said. (UN/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas