The COVID-19 Task Force Asks The Government To Strictly Enforce The Rules Regarding Homecoming

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Task Force (Task Force) Handling COVID-19 Wiku Adisasmito asked the local government to enforce the rules contained in the COVID-19 Task Force Circular Number 12 of 2021.

This regulation regulates the conditions that must be met by domestic travelers before May 6. This needs to be done in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 during the month of Ramadan and during the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.

"I ask all local governments to enforce this task force circular letter firmly in the field. So that there is no transmission because of increased population mobility which will cause crowds," Wiku said in a statement uploaded on the covid19.go.id website on Friday, April 16. .

In addition, Wiku also reminded people who would travel before and after that date to still follow health protocols. In addition, they are also asked to always be careful. "Because this virus (COVID-19) can threaten us anywhere and anytime," he said.

The government has issued a Circular of the Head of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force Number 13 of 2021 concerning the Elimination of Homecoming in the Month of Ramadan and Idul Fitri 1442 Hijriah during May 6-17, 2021.

This policy was issued in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 which can be caused by the high mobility of people who carry out the Eid homecoming tradition.

Previously reported, Professor of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia (UI) Hasbullah Thabrani warned that a potential spike in COVID-19 cases could occur if there was mobility. Because this virus transmission occurs between humans at close range and not through intermediaries such as bird flu.

"So, the best solution is to make the distance or contact between people as little as possible. Well, going home has the potential to create crowds both during the trip and in the hometown," Hasbullah said as quoted from a written statement by KPCPEN, Thursday, April 15.

The cause of transmission when it occurs when people gather to stay in touch. Most people, he said, often forget to keep their distance or apply health protocols when doing these activities.

"So if this is not controlled, it will lead to new cases," he said.

Hasbullah said that the community does not need to force homecoming in the midst of a pandemic. Moreover, currently technology can be an alternative to make friendship. "It can be done by telephone or video call at any time," he said.