Epidemiologist Suggests To Pay Attention To Family Immunity Status When Homecoming

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Epidemiologist from Griffith University Australia Dicky Budiman asked everyone to pay attention to the immunity status of family members when participating in the 2022 homecoming activity.

"Tips for safe and healthy travel during the first pandemic, actually the principle is to understand that the situation is still in a pandemic status," Dicky said in a voice message received by ANTARA in Jakarta, Thursday.

Dicky said that during homecoming activities, everyone in the family is required to always be aware of the transmission of COVID-19. When the family is going home, travel safety is the most important thing to consider in order to minimize the risk of being exposed to or exposing the virus.

Therefore, every traveler is expected to have received two doses of vaccine or even a booster. Make sure people who are traveling in the same vehicle or traveling together have the same immunity status.

The next thing to pay attention to is the symptoms. If there are symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, he advises travelers not to force themselves to travel and delay the trip.

"Also make sure that we don't have any contact with positive people. Make sure the status of the three things can be reflected in our PeduliLindung status if there is no need for a letter to make travel easier, so that administrative problems can be met," he said.

Then for travelers who go with the elderly with comorbidities, make sure that both diabetes or hypertension are in good condition. Likewise, pregnant women, must have an examination and have visited a midwife before to ensure that nothing bad will happen on the road.

According to Dicky, it is also important in choosing a vehicle. Homecomers are expected to be able to use private vehicles to be more protected from exposure to COVID-19. If you have to use public transportation, try to sit near your family with the window slightly open.

All these vigilance must also be balanced with compliance with health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining distance in every place visited such as toilets.

"This must also be accompanied by behavior during long periods of travel in closed spaces. We have to make sure that if you spend a long time in the toilet, if you have to during transit, look for a good toilet. Find a place where there are not many crowds. 5M is important," he said.

On the other hand, Dicky advised the government to be really careful to ensure that every homecoming transportation has good air circulation and not only checks the immunity of travelers, but all officers in the field.

Dicky also suggested that each officer not cause a buildup or long queues when inspecting vehicles. Including regulating the use of toilets that can be used by each traveler for a maximum of 30 minutes.

“In the regions, this is important for the provision of health monitoring of travelers. It's not just a matter of vaccination status, it must be assisted if there are only two doses of vaccine posts or health services must be prepared in many places," he said.