COVID-19 Cases Rise Again In Saudi, Government Must Be Able To Guarantee Congregational Health

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JAKARTA - The chairman of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to guarantee health services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. This follows reports of an increase in COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia when pilgrims began to arrive.

"We ask the government to increase anticipation with reports of an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia. Health services for our pilgrims must be guaranteed so that their worship in the Holy Land is not disturbed," said Puan, Thursday, July 9.

The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. The spread of the Corona virus in Saudi Arabia passed the 1,000 threshold, with a record 1,029 cases as of Wednesday (8/6) where the most cases were found in the capital, Riyadh.

Meanwhile, Indonesian pilgrims have started arriving in Saudi Arabia since their departure on June 4, until the last batch on July 3.

Puan asked the Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) and Indonesian Hajj Health Officers to be stricter in enforcing health protocols for hajj pilgrims.

"Hajj officers from the area of origin to those on duty in Saudi Arabia need to enforce strict health protocols for hajj pilgrims," said the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

"Make sure the screening is carried out properly, and fulfill the requirements set by the Saudi Arabian government, such as receiving the full dose of vaccine and preparing negative PCR results 72 hours before departure," added Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also emphasized that monitoring of the health conditions of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia must be carried out more intensively. Puan emphasized that Hajj pilgrims must receive the best facilities and services, including from the health aspect of the congregation.

"The government through officers in the field must ensure adequate nutrition and water for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims so that the immunity of the Hajj pilgrims is well maintained during their worship in the Holy Land," he said.

"If there are pilgrims who are sick, immediately take quick steps and prepare adequate health facilities and infrastructure for the comfort of our pilgrims," continued Puan.

To Indonesian pilgrims, Puan appealed to always be disciplined in carrying out health protocols. In addition, Hajj pilgrims are reminded to always obey the COVID-19 restrictions that apply in Saudi Arabia.

"During worship, always wear a mask correctly when in a crowd or public space," said Puan.

In addition to anticipating the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are asked to continue to be alert to the extreme hot weather that is occurring in Saudi Arabia. As is known, the air temperature in Saudi Arabia currently reaches more than 44 degrees Celsius.

"Be careful of heat stroke or heat stroke that can strike in extreme hot weather conditions. Ensure adequate water intake so that dehydration does not occur which can cause health problems,” he said.

Puan also asked the public to continue to maintain their immunity by getting enough rest. He appealed to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to pay attention to the condition of their respective bodies before carrying out worship and to avoid forcing themselves when they feel unfit.

“Self-awareness is very important. Avoid activities that are not necessary because they can cause excessive fatigue. If extreme fatigue is not anticipated, immunity will decrease so that the body condition will not be optimal when carrying out the pilgrimage, "explained Puan.

"We hope that all pilgrims from Indonesia can carry out the pilgrimage smoothly, and return to the country in good condition as a mabrur pilgrimage," he concluded.