Returning Home, Homecomers Are Asked To Obey Prokes To Avoid The Spread Of COVID-19 Variant Arcturus

Illustration of Covid-19 (ANTARA)

Epidemiologist Dr Dicky Budiman said that by complying with health protocols (prokes) during Eid homecoming, it helps protect families in their hometowns from the subvariant COVID-19 Arcturus. "In going home, of course, there will be human mobility that carries the risk of transmitting COVID-19 subvariant Arcturus. Obey the prokes, don't leave it behind. It helps protect the family," said Dicky to Antara in Jakarta, Monday, April 10.

Dicky said that if you use public transportation to be aware of other passengers who cough and sneezing. Wash your hands with soap and always bring a hand sanitizer. He also said that if it is possible to go home with private vehicles to minimize interaction with many people. If you bring a group, first check whether there are family members who are not fit, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Don't force homecoming if you feel unwell, he added. When going home will usually meet with parents, then obeying the prokes will help minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19 subvariant Arcturus because the subvariant is prone to parents. "Arriving at the right place, don't hug your parents first. We must be aware that we carry the risk of transmission," said the researcher at Griffith University, Australia.

He said 5M activities (Wearing masks, washing hands with soap, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and limiting mobility) must still be carried out even though the rules related to PPKM (Enforcement of Restrictions on Community Activities) have been lifted. According to him, even though it is now looser, 5M activities must become a new habit for the community because this has become a habit in countries such as Japan and South Korea even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In developed countries, even if you cough a cold, you can't work. That behavior we have to continue as a new cultural normal, including going home," he said. Behavior to prevent transmission of COVID-19, subvariant Arcturus can also be assisted with balanced nutritious food, a regular diet, exercise and adequate rest and complete the vaccination dose before going home to help strengthen herd immunity.