Backflow Of Travelers, Head Of COVID-19 Task Force Does Not Want To Pass "Pingpong" COVID-19 Sumatra-Java

Chairman of the Task Force on Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo (Photo: BNPB documentation)

JAKARTA - A total of 440,012 people traveled by crossing from Java to Sumatra through the port of Bakauheni from April 22 to May 15, 2021.

Chairman of the Task Force on Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo predicted that the number will return home from Sumatra to Java via Bakauheni. Doni urged that there should not be a phenomenon of "ping pong balls" (movement back and forth) that occur.

"Do not let the ping pong theory appear to the original position", Doni said in a coordination meeting that aired YouTube Pusdalops BNPB, Sunday, May 16.

Doni's theory of "ping pong" is the movement back and forth of citizens and passing the coronavirus or becoming a carrier of COVID-19 while traveling.

Because Sometimes many areas in Java island with red zones or high risk of COVID-19 and Sumatra many yellow zones or the risk of COVID-19 is low and green or there are no cases.

It is feared that the Crossers of Java brought the virus to Sumatra so that at this time, the condition is reversed, Java is relatively rampant. Many areas are yellow and green, while many areas in Sumatra are orange and red.

Doni did not want to because of the negligence of COVID-19 screening at the border or in the crossing area and then the virus returned to Java. "Because if that's the case, it's the same as ping pong, it won't be finished", Doni said.

Therefore, all crossers must be ensured to undergo the COVID-19 test without exception. People who get negative results are allowed to continue their journey. While the positive is not reversed, but immediately quarantined.

Doni is also concerned about the phenomenon of corona control "balloons". He said that there should not be one area or activity that has implemented strict COVID-19 control, but other locations are loosened.

"Balloons if pressed on one side, the other side will bubble. The key is in the discipline and cooperation of all parties. The officers are engaged in one command, the central and local governments cooperate well, supported by the community who are aware of implementing health protocols", said Doni.

Then, Doni asked all travelers, travelers who escaped and people traveling with special interests can take the initiative to conduct self-quarantine for at least 5 days.