Ministry Of Health Reminds People To Stay Alert Before Taking Off Masks Outdoors

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Director of Health Promotion & Community Empowerment, Ministry of Health, dr. Imran Agus Nurali, Sp. KO reminded the public to remain vigilant before removing masks outdoors.

"Even though the current number of COVID-19 is under control, the public must remain cautious," said Imran, quoted from an official broadcast on Wednesday, May 25.

President Joko Widodo has issued a policy of easing the use of masks outdoors since May 17, 2022 because the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia has been increasingly under control.

According to Imran, there are several terms and conditions that the public must know regarding the easing of masks in public places. The first requirement is to ensure that you have received a complete vaccination before deciding to take off your mask when you are outside.

"Although the policy to remove masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been controlled, the COVID-19 vaccination will continue until the full dose is 2 doses to protect yourself and others," he said, quoted by Antara.

The next requirement is to make sure there are no comorbid diseases. He advised community groups with diseases that attack immunity, hypertension, diabetes, and other comorbid diseases to keep wearing masks outside. In addition, he still recommends wearing a mask when doing activities outside the home or in a place full of crowds of people.

Masks are recommended to be worn even though there have been relaxations for people with tuberculosis or tuberculosis. Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) sufferers, so it is important to continue to wear a mask when doing activities outside the home.

“In urban areas, air pollution is still quite high. With public transportation and industrial places, we should still wear masks because it will protect us from pollution," added Imran.

He also reminded people to make a habit of washing their hands thoroughly using soap under running water or using hand sanitizer when traveling.