Starting Tomorrow, KRL Passengers Must Wear Double Masks

Illustrated (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - KAI Commuter VP Corporate Secretary Anne Purba reminded that her party requires Commuter Line KRL users to wear double masks starting tomorrow.

Anne explained, today is the last day of socialization to KRL users to use double masks. Passengers may wear one mask as long as it is N95, KN95, or KF95.

"Starting tomorrow, users are required to use double masks or masks of the type N95, KN95, or KF95. We urge users to comply with these regulations, so if they do not use double masks, users are not allowed to take the KRL or enter the station area," said Anne in her statement. , Wednesday, July 7th.

Anne said, the obligation to use masks that are concurrently on public transportation is one of the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which has continued to increase in the last few weeks, coupled with the emergence of new variants.

"The obligation to wear double masks, one of which is a medical mask as recommended by doctors and the Ministry of Health," he said.

Anne also explained that the volume of KRL users today until 09.00 WIB is not much different from last Tuesday at the same time, which was 80,475 users.

"To support the implementation of this Emergency PPKM, KAI Commuter urges KAI Commuter to invite all parties to comply with and participate in the implementation of Emergency PPKM. KRL as public transportation is still present only to serve urgent needs," he said.

It is known, many experts recommend the use of double masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which has been raging lately. This two-layer mask is recommended as a step to minimize the risk of transmission.

However, the use of double masks cannot be done carelessly because it will interfere with the function of the mask. The reason is, using two medical masks at once will not be able to increase the filtering ability of the mask

"Do not combine 2 medical masks at the same time. Because medical masks are not designed to be used in 2 layers simultaneously because they do not increase the filtration ability and suitability of masks," said Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito.

Wiku also said that the KN95 mask type is also not recommended to be used in duplicate, either with the same or different types of masks as the first or second layer.

However, to improve its function, he continued, medical masks can be used double with cloth masks. He said this has been proven in research. Medical masks can be used as the first layer, then combined with a cloth mask.

"The combination of double masks provides much better protection for the wearer and others than wearing a cloth mask alone, or a medical mask alone," he said.