Omicron Threatens Indonesia, PKS To Government: Don't Just Ban The Elderly From Going Out

Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the DPR RI from the PKS faction, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, reminded the government that it is necessary to take clear anticipatory steps in dealing with the threat of COVID-19, the Omicron variant, which has increased in Indonesia. Not just conveying an appeal to the elderly not to leave the house.

"The pandemic has entered its third year, the government should have a clear pattern of handling and anticipatory steps in dealing with any new developments. Including the threat of Omicron, which is easier to transmit," said Netty to reporters, Tuesday, February 8.

According to him, the community needs positive language that shows the government's readiness in anticipating the challenges of the peak of the third wave of COVID-19. For example, socialization and information about improving health infrastructure, availability of inpatient beds, ICU rooms, adequacy of medical equipment and materials. "And accelerating the achievement of vaccination targets is certainly more calming," he said. The West Java legislator said that staying at home, especially for the elderly with comorbidities, was something that had been understood since the beginning of the pandemic. The appeal, according to him, will only reap other perceptions from the public. "Of course we don't want the public to perceive that there is a threat of bad conditions behind the appeal," said Netty.

Therefore, Netty asked the government to explain about the acceleration of the vaccination target for the elderly and children under 12 years old. Including the achievement of vaccination targets in areas that still have not met the minimum 70 percent of the complete dose target. the worst, the readiness of medicines, hospital beds, and medical personnel. "This is something that needs to be explained to the public openly," said Netty. In addition, he added, the government also needs to convey about the readiness to support drugs, supplements and telemedicine for self-isolated patients. the government must be more alert and ready in all aspects," said Netty. Along with that, Netty considered that officials must be good examples in enforcing health protocol discipline. Do not travel and quarantine with the appropriate rules. "People should not be asked to stay at home, while a work visit has the potential to cause a crowd, as is being done," said Netty. Previously, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan asked residents aged 60 years and over or the elderly not to leave their homes for the next two weeks to a month. Thus, according to him, it can prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the midst of the current outbreak of the Omicron variant.

"I suggest the next two weeks to a month for the people I mentioned earlier, the criteria are 60 years and above, it's better to stay at home first, temporarily," he said while virtually attending NU's 96th Harlah in NTT, Sunday, February 6. .