There Are 29 Positive Cases Of COVID-19 In PON Papua, Menpora: The Match Continues

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali ensured that the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) matches will continue as scheduled even though several athletes and officials from several provinces have tested positive for COVID-19.

"The match will continue, while health protocols are maintained according to the rules that have been set," said the Minister of Youth and Sports in his official statement after watching the shooting competition at the Shooting Arena, Kampung Harapan, Jayapura Regency, Wednesday, as reported by Antara.

The first case of COVID-19 during the implementation of the Papua PON was found in Timika and even that number has increased.

Based on information from the spokesman for the Papua COVID-19 Prevention and Handling Task Force (SGPP) Silwanus Sumule, 29 people were exposed, consisting of athletes, officials and the implementing committee (panpel).

As for the spread of 29 people who were positive for COVID-19, namely 13 people in Timika, seven people in Jayapura Regency, six people in Jayapura City and three people in Merauke.

On this condition, Menpora Zainudin Amali admitted that he would summon the Supervisory and Steering Committee (Panwasrah) with PB PON to discuss this issue.

"I will gather Panwasrah and PB PON, along with all elements involved, trying to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission through various strategies, including strict enforcement of health protocols (prokes)," he added.

PON Papua has actually carried out prokes starting from entering the Cenderawasih Earth. Everyone who enters the easternmost province of Indonesia is required to do PCR and is negative for COVID-19.

However, the virus continues to spread and is proven by the discovery of athletes, officials and committee members who were exposed to the virus from China.

"Let's check the origin of this virus together, because before coming to Papua all the contingents had a PCR test," said the Minister of Youth and Sports.

“In accommodation, if you have symptoms, you will be tested for antigen immediately, then PCR can be continued. If it is positive, it is isolated and tracing is carried out for the surroundings. Athletes who will compete with body contact, such as wushu or wrestling, will be tested for antigen before competing," he added.

For this reason, to the local community, as a preparation and effort to protect health, his party encourages 3M socialization (wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance), and at least one vaccination.