5 Thousand Athletes And Officials Will Be Injected With The COVID-19 Vaccine At Istora GBK

JAKARTA - The government is targeting 5,000 people, including athletes, officials, and support personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first phase. The first injection of the COVID-19 vaccine for athletes will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, tomorrow, February 26.

The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali, explained that the 5,000 people were prioritized because athletes and officials were scheduled to participate in several single events and multi-event championships, one of which was the Tokyo Olympics. After the first phase was completed, the second stage of vaccination was held for 7,000 athletes, coaches, and officials.

"Athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff will prioritize those who will have activities", Zainudin said in a virtual press conference in Jakarta as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, February 24.

"Now for the second stage we will expand it to athletes in the area, especially those who are ready for the Papua National Sports Week (PON)", continued Zainudin.

Menpora targets vaccinations for athletes and coaches to be completed in the next two months.

The schedule for the COVID-19 vaccination starts on February 26 at Istora GBK, which is the first kick-off of vaccines for athletes and coaches.

However, vaccinations at Istora GBK will only be intended for around 820 athletes, coaches, and support staff, including football players who will take part in the 2021 Menpora Cup pre-season tournament in March.

Meanwhile, other athletes and coaches who have not been vaccinated will continue at the Cibubur National Sports Hospital (RSON), the national sports training center, or their respective regions.

For vaccination for regional athletes, coordination will be carried out with the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). The Ministry of Health will later convey it to the provincial, district and city health offices where the athletes live.

"Because it is impossible to go all the way to Jakarta. While they are in their respective regions", concluded Zainudin.