Regions Need Thorough Preparation for New Normal: COVID-19 Spokesperson

Achmad Yurianto, Spokesperson for COVID-19 Handling (Photo:Documentation of Cabinet Secretariat)

Spokesperson for COVID-19 Task Force Achmad Yurianto has reminded once again that thorough preparation is crucial and should be carried out with the right measure in regions to implement the new normal protocols.

To that end, according to him, the Government will gradually resume public activities in several regions and reopen strategic sectors so that they can be productive again.

“The Government once again reminds that the process of implementing new normal protocols is indeed not easy,” Yuri said in Jakarta, Sunday (21/6).

Yuri also mentioned two things that must be followed by the regional governments before implementing the new normal protocols.

First, they have to ensure that everyone in the regions understand and is able to implement strict health protocols. For this reason, continuous dissemination is also needed so that the principles can be applied in everyday life.

“This is a very basic thing. We have to make sure the public understands and is able to carry out the health protocols,” said Yuri.

Second, Heads of the Regional COVID-19 Task Force must update their data with details from experts and community leaders in their respective regions to determine areas that are likely to be reopened because a productive society is determined by the readiness of each region and the support of all elements of society.

Therefore, Yuri also reminded the Regional Task Force to always communicate with the  Central Government before determining whether or not a region or a sector can be reopen again.

“We have to make sure there are stages of dissemination for SOPs on how to implement the new normal protocols to the sector that will be reopen,” Yuri said, adding that simulations on how to limit the capacity of people in public areas to prevent potential transmission are also important.

“We also have to prepare facilities for washing hands and health facilities that can be easily accessed by the public, while continue to carry out rigorous evaluations at any time since the goal of new normal is safe from COVID-19,” he said.

Furthermore, should there is a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Regional Task Force can close the public sector again as an effort to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, he added.

Yuri also expressed hope that the new cases of COVID-19 can be a common concern for the public to reinforce the implementation of health protocols. Therefore, he stressed that the new normal does not mean that the situation is back to normal without COVID-19 and the people can ignore the health protocols.

“Instead, the new normal protocols must be addressed wisely by upholding discipline and being committed to continuing the prevention efforts,” explained Yuri. (Ministry of Health / EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas