IDAI Recommends 50 Percent Of Children Aged 6-11 Years To Learn From Home, 12-18 Years Can Do 100 Percent Face-to-face Learning

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) issued a recommendation to the government to apply face-to-face learning restrictions (PTM) according to the age group of students.

This is based on the easing of a number of activities in the government's new policy, which is accompanied by an increase in children's activities outside the home.

The head of the IDAI COVID Task Force, Yogi Prawira, said that schools with students aged 6 to 11 were advised to run a limited PTM of 50 percent.

"For ages 6 to 11 years, face-to-face learning can be done using the 50 percent online method, 50 percent offline outdoor in conditions where COVID-19 cases are still found but the positivity rate is below 8 percent, as well as local Omicron transmissions that can still be controlled," he said in his statement, Friday, March 18.

Then in the age group of 12 to 18 years, schools can apply PTM 100 percent. Of note, there is no increase in COVID-19 cases and no local transmission of Omicron in the area.

However, Yogi suggested PTM should still be held at 50 percent for children aged 12-18 years if COVID-19 cases are found but the positivity rate is below 8 percent, local transmission of omicron is found, which can still be controlled.

Meanwhile, for children under 6 years old, IDAI has not recommended face-to-face schooling until it is stated that there are no new cases of COVID-19 or there is no increase in new cases.

"For ages under 6 years old, schools can provide online learning methods and activate parental involvement at home in outdoor activities," he said.

Yogi emphasized that students need to continue to maintain compliance with the implementation of health protocols, such as the use of mandatory masks for everyone in the school environment, washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer, not eating together, maintaining distance, and ensuring air circulation is well maintained.

Yogi also recommends the use of masks and faceshields for children aged 2 years and over, unless there are medical problems that prevent these children from using masks. The type of mask used is a 3-ply cloth mask or medical mask.

"Masks will prevent transmission of germs from one individual to another by holding back virus particles so they don't spread in the air. In using masks for children, the size and proper use must be taken into account, so that the function of the mask becomes effective," he added.