COVID-19 Cases Soar Again, Chairman Of MPR Proposes Regional Lockdown

JAKARTA - The chairman of the MPR RI Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) proposed that the government withdraw the emergency brake and implement a regional lockdown in line with the recent surge in positive cases of COVID-19 confirmation. Moreover, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) predicts that the third wave of COVID-19 cases will peak in mid-February.

"Immediately take a stance and a policy to withdraw the emergency brake, namely limiting people's mobility in all sectors to considering regional lockdown options in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic situation which continues to experience spikes," Bamsoet told reporters, Thursday, February 3.

According to him, the government must be prepared to anticipate the worst possible occurrence in the third wave of COVID-19 cases. So it is necessary to take decisive steps by re-implementing a regional lockdown.

"Given that this regional lockdown is considered the most realistic option that can break the chain of transmission of COVID-19," he continued.

In addition, the former chairman of the DPR RI also asked all levels of society to remain disciplined in implementing strict health protocols.

The current spike in COVID-19 cases, said Bamsoet, should serve as a warning that the spread of COVID-19. In particular, due to the Omicron variant, it has become increasingly worrying.

"It is hoped that the community will increase their vigilance, continue to wear masks and stay away from crowds, also limit activities outside the home, comply with and implement applicable government advice or regulations regarding efforts to handle and overcome the pandemic," he explained.

The Golkar politician also reminded the central government, regional governments, and the COVID-19 Handling Task Force to continue to coordinate and monitor and check the readiness and availability of health facilities. Primarily, in every COVID-19 referral hospital.

The government, added Bamsoet, also needs to prepare a COVID-19 emergency hospital, add volunteers dedicated to handling this virus, to ensure the availability of medicines and other medical support tools.

"This is an anticipation effort in preventing the collapse of health facilities due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases in the country," he said.

Bamsoet hopes that the government will continue to increase testing and tracing efforts to determine the level of spread and transmission of COVID-19.

The government is also encouraged to continue to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccination starting from the first, second to third dose (booster).

"We also ask for the commitment of the government and the COVID-19 response task force to continue to do their best in suppressing and preventing the third wave of COVID-19, by setting a pandemic handling strategy that is adapted to the current conditions of the spread of the pandemic," said Bamsoet.