Puan Asks The Government To Explain To The Community How Dangerous The Current Condition Of COVID-19 Is

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani asked the government to explain how dangerous COVID-19 is at this time considering the spike in cases. An explanation from the government is needed to give peace to the community.

So far, we know that the condition of the COVID-19 pandemic has improved. However, with the increase in cases, the public needs to understand how dangerous the current COVID-19 condition is. Because some people think that Covid is now only like an ordinary flu," said Puan in an electronic message received in Jakarta, Thursday, May 5. O

The government is asked to provide a more comprehensive explanation regarding the current level of risk and danger of COVID-19. That way, said Puan, people can estimate daily treatment that they need to do to avoid the potential for COVID-19.

"Although we still have to prioritize health protocols (prokes), but with certainty from the Government, the public can understand the level of danger of the current COVID-19 condition because this affects people's daily activities which will also have an impact on the world of the economy," he explained.

According to Puan, the Government needs to give a firm statement regarding the latest COVID-19 conditions. Moreover, it has been almost a year since people returned to normal life due to the low number of COVID-19 cases.

"The government needs to announce whether the current COVID-19 condition is in a critical condition or not," said Puan.

Even so, the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI still invited the public not to be careless. Puan said preventive measures were better than cure.

The recent increase in COVID-19 cases should make us all more vigilant. To minimize the spike in cases, the key is health protocols, especially in places where the crowd level is high," he appealed.

The addition of COVID-19 cases in early May 2023 reached 2,647 cases a day where active cases had touched 14,205. The increase in cases was the highest in the last 10 months and was influenced by the positivity rate which increased to 14.76 percent.

Even though the current pandemic condition has improved, Puan reminded the public to remain careful and not euphoric so as to forget the prokes.

Excessive euphoria can be dangerous because it can make you careless. If you are in a crowded place, use a mask as much as possible because the use of the mask is still effective enough to prevent the transmission of the virus," he said.

Puan also invited the public to complete the COVID-19 booster vaccine in order to reduce the potential risk of the impact of the virus. Moreover, the Government is currently increasing the type of domestically made booster vaccination called Indovac.

I also invite people who have not completed the booster vaccination to immediately visit health facilities. Additional booster reception can strengthen protection from Covid-19, especially the Arcturus sub-variant," said Puan.

The DPR also asked the Government to pay attention to hospital occupancy or the Bed Occupancy Ratio (BOR) which increased to 7.47 percent. According to Puan, the Government must prepare a strategy if the increase in Covid-19 cases continues to increase.

"I encourage the central and regional governments to prepare locations for controlled isolation of COVID-19 if the increase continues to occur. This is to minimize the spread," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

"That way, patients who have tested positive and their homes cannot be used as places of self-isolation, can visit the location," continued Puan.

Furthermore, Bung Karno's grandson reminded the village officials to continue to monitor their citizens considering that many cases of COVID-19 infection were not detected or diagnosed. Puan believes that with the readiness of the village apparatus, the spread of COVID-19 cases can be suppressed.

"We have learned from previous experience. I believe with high vigilance and the speed of village officials moving if any of their citizens are infected with the virus, we can reduce the spike in cases," he said.

On the other hand, Puan asked the public not to be afraid even though there was an increase in Covid-19 cases. However, the public still has to be aware of the COVID-19 virus.

People don't need to panic. The increase in cases should be a reminder that the Covid-19 virus still exists. And we must be able to adapt to live in the midst of COVID-19," said Puan.

If later the status of this pandemic ends, the virus that causes this disease does not mean it is gone. But there is no need to worry too much because our health infrastructure to fight COVID-19 is also more prepared," he continued.

Puan also appreciated the health workers who continued to be at the forefront of fighting Covid-19. He hopes that all stakeholders can work together to overcome the pandemic for the safety of the people.

"Of course all of this requires mutual cooperation from all parties. The dedication of health workers is also extraordinary. I am sure that the collaboration of friends in the COVID-19 Task Force with the TNI/Polri and other community groups will play a very important role in us being free from the pandemic soon," concluded Puan.