IDI Worries When Public Transportation Services Are Loosened During The Pandemic

JAKARTA - The government opens public transportation services, both land, sea and air, on Thursday, May 7 or tomorrow in areas that have implemented Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) for several weeks.

The Executive Board (PB) of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) is concerned that this leniency could increase the number of COVID-19 spreads.

"We medical professionals are very worried that this will trigger further transmission. We hope the government will consider carefully and carefully in implementing this policy," PB IDI Chairman Daeng M Faqih told reporters, Wednesday, May 6.

One aspect of concern for IDI is the readiness of facilities, equipment and medical personnel in Indonesia when the spread of COVID-19 is getting more massive.

Although currently the availability of medical devices such as masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) is sufficient after being assisted by the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19, the ability of medical personnel and facilities also has limitations.

"The capacity and services have limits. So the cases that occur must not exceed the capacity and the way to prevent transmission must be tightened," he said.

Public transportation has been relaxed, homecoming is still prohibited

Previously, the government reopened transportation services after being restricted due to the PSBB policy. This policy is contained in the Circular of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 Number 4 of 2020 concerning Criteria for Restricting People in the Context of Accelerating Handling of COVID-19.

Despite loosening public transportation to continue operating, the Chairperson of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo emphasized that homecoming activities are prohibited.

"I emphasize that there is no change in regulations regarding going home. That means going home is prohibited. Period!" said Doni in a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Wednesday, May 6.

The purpose of opening this public transportation service, said Doni, is to maintain the economy of the community, as well as to maintain the smooth distribution of logistics. This is because restrictions on transportation mobility often disrupt the smooth running of the economy and logistics.

"The circular that we have published is motivated by a number of problems that have occurred in several regions," he said.