The Ministry Of Health Issues An Appeal To Anticipate The Spike In Covid-19 Cases During Christmas And New Year

Illustration of community activities using masks (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has just issued a circular highlighting awareness of the potential spike in Covid-19 cases ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This circular is addressed to foreign travelers, given the pandemic situation that continues to develop in various countries.

The increase in Covid-19 cases in several countries is the main reason for Indonesia to increase vigilance, especially by taking into account the potential mobility of the community during the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holidays.

The Head of the Communication and Public Service Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, in her statement, underlined the importance of completing the COVID-19 vaccination, including primary and booster doses in accordance with applicable regulations.

"So it is highly recommended to immediately complete the COVID-19 vaccination, both primary and booster doses according to the provisions," said Nadia, Tuesday, December 12.

According to him, foreign travelers have a higher risk of contracting Covid-19 due to interactions with people from various countries. Therefore, good immunity is the key to preventing transmission during the trip and after returning to the country.

Doctor Nadia also invited health service providers to ensure the availability of COVID-19 vaccination services to maintain the level of community immunity.

In addition, local governments are asked to ensure the availability of vaccines and other logistics and ensure that the public gets accurate information about the location of the Covid-19 vaccination service.

"Local governments are also asked to ensure the availability of vaccines and other logistics. Local governments also ensure that people get good information regarding locations for COVID-19 vaccination services," said Nadia.

As an additional prevention effort, Nadia advised the public to take some anticipation, including by immediately examining themselves if they have symptoms that lead to Covid-19.

If the result is positive, it is advisable to self-isolate and access telemedicine after getting a notification from the Ministry of Health.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of using masks, especially in crowded places, the habit of washing hands with soap and running water regularly, completing vaccinations with a second booster dose, and delaying traveling to areas reported to have experienced a spike in Covid-19 cases as a preventive measure to minimize the spread of the virus in the community.