Task Force Issues SE: Homecomers Who Have Booster Vaccines Don't Need COVID-19 Tests, First Vaccine Mandatory PCR

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JAKARTA - Head of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Lt. Gen. Suharyanto emphasized that his party will soon issue a circular that regulates the conditions for domestic travelers (PPDN) during the Eid 1443 Hijri holiday or Lebaran homecoming.

According to Suharyanto, the circular, among other things, stipulates that PPDN who have received the third vaccine no longer need to undergo a COVID-19 test when going home.

"For domestic travelers who are actually going to go home, this is allowed, welcome, for those who have had the third vaccine, there is no need for testing," said Suharyanto, quoted by Antara, Thursday, March 31.

He said the mandatory COVID-19 test only applies to PPDN who have just received the first and second doses of vaccine.

PPDN who have received the second dose of vaccine must show the results of the antigen test 1 x 24 hours or PCR 3 x 24 hours.

Meanwhile, PPDN who have just received the first dose, must show the results of the PCR test 3 x 24 hours.

There are also requirements for PPDN with special health conditions, they are required to show the results of the PCR test 3 x 24 hours and attach a certificate from a general practitioner or doctor from a local government hospital.

Meanwhile, children under the age of 6 do not need to be tested for COVID-19, but must be accompanied by a travel companion who meets the travel requirements as stipulated.

Then, children aged 6-17 years do not need to be tested, but must show that they have received a second dose of vaccination.

"The bottom line is that this Task Force is not meant to limit travelers. But hopefully this homecoming will run safely, smoothly and without significant transmission," said Suharyanto.

He said the circular was issued to follow up on President Joko Widodo's directive which stated that people who wanted to go home for Eid were allowed on condition that they had received two vaccines and one booster and continued to apply strict health protocols.