PB IDI Explains The Issue Of COVID-19 Isoman During Endemic

Photo archives - Stickers are installed in the homes of residents undergoing self-isolation at Unitex Housing, Bogor City, West Java, Monday (7/2/2022).) ANTARA PHOTO/Arif Firmansyah/rwa/aa)

JAKARTA - Head of the COVID-19 Task Force for the Executive Board of the Indonesian Doctors Association, DR. dr. Erlina Burhan, Sp.P(K) provides tips for the community to respond to COVID-19 during the endemic period, ranging from wearing masks to self-isolation (isoman) when detected positive. "So indeed, in an endemic situation, these COVID-19 symptoms have been considered like the common cold," Erlina said at an online press conference, reported by Antara, Thursday, June 22. President Joko Widodo officially revoked the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia and replaced it with an endemic status on Wednesday (21/6). The decision, said President Jokowi, was taken by the government by considering the number of daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 which was close to nil. Erlina assessed that there is a need for a lot of education to the public so that they can act appropriately when dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 virus after the change in status from a pandemic to an endemic. Erlina explained that isoman is no longer needed if a person is infected with COVID-19, provided that the symptoms experienced are still in the mild category, such as flu or cough. People who are positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms are still allowed to carry out their activities as usual and must wear masks and not let them go if they are with other people or in crowds. "If it turns out that the symptoms are mild, such as the flu, I think it can still be active, but when interacting with other people you have to wear a mask, remember, yes, so you don't transmit it. If it's confirmed and the symptoms are quite severe, then isolation is still needed," said Erlina. Even so, Erlina said that endemic does not mean that the COVID-19 virus no longer exists. Endemic status shows that the handling of COVID-19 is well under control, and the level of immunity of the Indonesian people is almost entirely good and has COVID-19 antibodies thanks to vaccination. The use of masks, according to the pulmonary specialist, is an awareness for each individual. Even though the state has freed the issue of wearing masks, people with immunity and congenital diseases are advised to continue wearing masks when in crowds.

"If you have a disease related to immunity that is easily transmitted, if you have a risk to get sick easily, use a mask to protect yourself, it's okay to wear a mask in a crowd even though the place is no longer implementing the use of masks," said Erlina.