PPKM Level 3 Is Confirmed During Christmas And New Year, But Be Careful With Homecomers Who Start Earlier

JAKARTA - Commission IX of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia appealed that PPKM Level 3 on the Christmas and New Year holidays be applied for more than a week. This is to anticipate homecomers who steal start before PPKM is enforced on December 24, 2021.

"To prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases during the New Year's Christmas holiday, it is necessary to carry out PPKM Level 3 for more than a week so that no one steals the start of homecoming and actually reduces people's mobility," said Commission IX Member Rahmad Handoyo, Wednesday, December 1.

In the Minister of Home Affairs Number 62 of 2021 concerning Prevention and Control of Corona Virus Disease 2019 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, PPKM Level 3 of Christmas and New Year Period takes place from December 24, 2021, to January 2, 2022. Rahmad assesses that there need to be more efforts to tighten the movement of people to reduce the risk spike in cases.

"Whether it's restrictions on tourist attractions, activities at malls, then a ban on homecoming and leave for ASN/PNS to private employees, the supervision must be carried out thoroughly," he said.

Rahmad also asked the government to increase vigilance against the movement of land transportation which is relatively difficult to control. Not only public transportation, but also private vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.

"Hopefully the odd-even implementation, including on toll roads, can reduce the movement of people. It is also necessary to monitor the paths of rats so that every movement of people can be detected," said Rahmad.

The member of the House of Representatives Commission who is in charge of health issues also reminded the importance of coordination with related parties. Rahmad detailed ranging from policymakers and officials, to the organizers of the trade industry, transportation industry, hospitality and tourism industry, church administrators and Christmas committees, as well as administrators of other houses of worship.

"There should not be another spike in deaths and paralyzed health infrastructure like what happened after the last Eid al-Fitr holiday," he stressed.

Even so, Rahmad asked the government to remain prepared in the event of a spike in cases after the Christmas and New Year holiday as predicted by a number of experts. Especially with the new variant of the Coronavirus, Omicron, which has a higher transmission rate.

“The central government, regional governments, officials, and health facilities must continue to prepare for the worst. In addition to prevention, preparation steps are still needed so that we are ready if the pandemic condition worsens again," said Rahmad.

Currently, the government has banned travelers from a number of countries in Africa from entering Indonesia in anticipation of the occurrence of imported cases of Omicron. Rahmad assessed that the government needs to add to the list of countries outside Africa where Omicron has been detected in its territory.

“Hong Kong was already banned. However, the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Germany, Israel, Belgium, England, Czech Republic, Australia, France, and Canada also need to be considered for entry restrictions because it is known that there have been cases of Omicron," the legislator from the Central Java V electoral district said.

Meanwhile, Rahmad asked the public not to panic about Omicron. Although it is not yet known whether this new variant of Covid-19 has entered Indonesia or not, he said strict health protocols and vaccinations could help the community.

“There is no need to be afraid, and stay calm. Just make sure to stay disciplined with health protocols. And for those who have not been vaccinated, register immediately so that they can be safer from exposure to COVID-19," concluded Rahmad.