Even Though Vaccines Are Not Required, Trade Minister Lutfi's Subordinates: If You Go To The Market, Health Protocols Must Still Be Applied

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Director-General of Domestic Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Oke Nurwan, explained that the implementation of health protocols still needs to be carried out when people go to the people's market, even though there is no requirement for vaccines and antigen swabs in the trial of opening shopping centers and malls which took place on 10-16 August 2021.

"In the people's market, it is possible not to apply the requirements for vaccination and antigen. This is because the people's market is a place to sell necessities that people need in their daily lives", Oke said in a statement quoted by Antara, Thursday, August 12.

In addition, the situation in people's markets is different from shopping centers and malls, where most of the people's markets are in open spaces with natural air circulation systems, the risk of transmission is not as high as in the shopping center area which is in an air-conditioned closed room.

However, Oke stressed, visitors and sellers at the people's market are also required to implement other procedures such as using masks, washing hands, and using hand sanitizers.

"This aims to prevent transmission and maintain the health of visitors and sellers. The key is the application of health procedures in a disciplined manner", said Oke.

However, continued Oke, some public facilities that are closed and use air conditioning (AC) also apply special requirements.

In the DKI Jakarta area, based on Governor's Decree Number 966 of 2021 concerning the Imposition of Restrictions on Community Activities Level 4 Corona Virus Disease 2019, visitors to several public facilities that are closed and use air conditioning must also show proof of the vaccine.

Oke hopes that every party involved in the business in shopping centers and people's markets can continue to implement the process with high awareness.

"With the implementation of the program, it is hoped that the transmission of COVID-19 can be prevented, the people's economy will run, and the basic needs of the community can still be met", said Oke.

Oke conveyed that the Ministry of Trade would evaluate the implementation of this trial.

"The evaluation results from this trial will later become the basis for taking further policies", said Oke.