Alert For Christmas And New Year, COVID-19 Task Force: Indonesia Has Never Passed A Holiday Period Without An Increase In Cases

Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force Wiku Adisasmito/ISTIMEWA

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, reminded all parties to be aware of the spread of COVID-19 ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Because, based on previous experience, Indonesia has always experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases in going through three long holiday periods during the pandemic.

"The long holiday period is a challenge for all of us. Reflecting on experience, Indonesia has never made it through that period without an increase in cases," Wiku said in a virtual press conference, Thursday, November 11.

Wiku said that the increase in cases in Indonesia had occurred 3 times, namely on the 2020 Eid al-Fitr holiday, the 2020 Maulid Nabi and Christmas collective holidays, and the 2021 Eid Holiday.

"The increase in cases did not only occur in the increase in daily cases, but also in the increase in weekly cases which lasted for a long time even though they were finally reduced," said Wiku.

He explained several reasons for the increase in cases for each long holiday period that had been identified. The first is the increase in mobility during the holiday period which is not accompanied by sufficient testing efforts.

"The implementation of mandatory testing is very important, considering that testing is a preventive measure to ensure travelers are in good health, so they do not transmit the virus to their destination," he said.

Second, there is no discipline in health protocols both during a series of trips and activities during holidays. Third, the tradition of gathering, eating together, as well as religious traditions that naturally increase the chance of COVID-19 transmission because it creates crowds.

While the fourth, increased activity in shopping centers, recreation areas, and other public facilities that are not accompanied by the implementation and supervision of health protocols.

"Based on the results of the data analysis, I ask the local government and all levels of society to be alert in welcoming the Christmas and New Year holidays," he concluded.