COVID In Saudi Arabia Soars, Puan Maharani Asks The Government To Guarantee Health Services For Prospective Hajj Pilgrims

Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. ANTARA/HO-DPR RI

JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to guarantee health services for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in connection with reports of an increase in COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia.

"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 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims must be guaranteed so that their worship in the Holy Land is not disrupted," said Puan in a statement in Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, June 9. .

Puan said this was related to statements from the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates which reported a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The spread of the Corona virus in Saudi Arabia crossed the 1,000 threshold, with a record 1,029 cases as of Wednesday, June 8. most cases were found in the capital, Riyadh.

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

"Hajj officials from the area of origin to those on duty in Saudi Arabia need to enforce strict health protocols for prospective hajj pilgrims," he said.

The government is asked to make sure the screening is good and meets the requirements set by the Saudi Arabian government. For example, receiving a full dose of vaccine and preparing a negative PCR result 72 hours before departure.

According to him, monitoring the health conditions of Indonesian pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia should be more intensive.

Puan emphasized that prospective 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 pilgrims so that their immune system is well maintained during their worship in the Holy Land," he said.

According to him, if there are pilgrims who are sick, immediately take quick steps and prepare adequate health facilities and infrastructure for their comfort.

In addition, Puan also appealed to Indonesian Hajj candidates to be disciplined in carrying out health protocols and always obeying the COVID-19 restrictions that apply in Saudi Arabia.

He also asked Indonesian Hajj candidates to continue to be alert to the extreme hot weather in Saudi Arabia, which currently reaches more than 44 degrees Celsius.

Puan also asked the community to continue to maintain their immunity by getting adequate rest and paying attention to their respective body conditions before performing worship and avoiding forcing themselves when they feel unfit.