The Riau Islands Police Ask The Public To Be Wise In Responding To The Rules For Removing Masks

BATAM - The Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda) asked the public to be wise in responding to the easing of the use of masks conveyed by the President of the Republic (RI) Joko Widodo.

"There are two points I want to make. First, it is the awareness of the people themselves. Second, we will continue to educate the public regarding the easing of the regulation," said Head of Public Relations of the Riau Islands Police, Grand Commissioner Harry Goldenhardt, in Batam City, Riau Islands, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, May 18.

This, according to him, is based on the fact that until now the government has not announced the status of COVID-19 as endemic, but it is still a pandemic.

“Now the point is to return to public awareness. However, the status of COVID-19 in Indonesia is still a pandemic, not yet endemic," he said.

The National Police, which is also part of the COVID-19 Task Force, will still carry out control over the community, regarding efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We will continue to educate the public about the use of masks, because the easing of the use of masks is only for outdoors, not indoors," he said.

In essence, Harry said, the use of this mask is public awareness, because this is a health problem that is currently still a pandemic.

"In addition, for people who have not been vaccinated with the third dose, immediately visit police stations that provide booster vaccines," he said.

Regarding the regulation on easing the use of masks, which was conveyed by President Joko Widodo, was welcomed by several residents in the Riau Islands.

One of the residents of Udin Hamapu was very grateful for the regulation because he admitted that he was tired of having to continue to buy and use masks.

"The cost of living has increased, it's not just eating, but also buying masks," he said.

In addition, the use of masks is also irrelevant lately before the President makes the decision to take off the masks.

"It should have been before the fasting month, because at that time many residents had taken off their masks," he said.

The same thing was conveyed by Fiska Juanda, who admitted that the presidential decision was very appropriate, considering that many Batam residents had removed their masks before the fasting month.

"There are already many in crowded places who remove masks. So yes, this is a good decision in my opinion," he said.

But for herself, Fiska is very grateful for the use of this mask. “Before wearing a mask, I often coughed. After often wearing a mask, I rarely cough," he said.