Ministry Of Health: Increase In Cases In The Midst Of A Pandemic Is Reasonable As Long As Under Control

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Mohammad Syahril said the increase in COVID-19 cases in the midst of a pandemic is normal as long as it is under control.

"So we just act as part of being vigilant because we are still in the pandemic period even though the pandemic is under control, the important thing is that there is no bad spike," said Syahril, quoted by Antara, Monday, June 13.

Therefore, he hopes that the use of masks in the community becomes a culture as a healthy life while preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

"One of the health protocols is that wearing a mask must be made into a culture of healthy living, when we have to wear it and when we have to take it off, it's within us in terms of controlling it," he said.

According to him, the discipline of health protocol is a necessity. Especially now that it's still in the middle of a pandemic.

"Because this is our need and our choice, we try to stay healthy, always healthy by using PHBS, namely clean and healthy living behavior. So wearing this mask is part of a clean and healthy lifestyle," he said.

By implementing good PHBS, he continued, people can avoid other infectious diseases, not only COVID-19.

"Currently there are other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, mysterious hepatitis that is currently happening. With PHBS we can also avoid pollution. The point is that masks protect us and protect our surroundings," he said.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson for COVID-19 Reisa Broto Asmoro added that although Indonesia was ready to enter the endemic phase, the policy of easing the use of masks in public spaces in open places must be addressed by the public in a wise manner.

"Even though it is now under control, the pandemic status situation has not been lifted. We also cannot mean that with the easing of the policy, we consider it recommended," he said.

Therefore, he continued, the community is expected to be able to assess the risks if they want to carry out activities in the community.