A Number Of Exemplary Implementations Of Health Protocols In Traditional Markets

Illustration (Angga Nugraha / VOI)

JAKARTA - Communication team member of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 Reisa Broto Asmoro asked the public to anticipate the spread of COVID-19 in traditional markets. Entering a new normal phase, traditional markets will be reopened.

Reisa said, the large number of people who came, made the market crowded. Not to mention, cleanliness that is often missed and sanitation and hygiene standards that are not yet strict have made the market vulnerable to becoming a new cluster of corona virus transmission.

Reisa said markets in Indonesia could implement the COVID-19 prevention protocol in different ways according to regional characteristics.

"Several markets have become examples of the adaptation of New Habits by practicing good health protocols," said Reisa at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Saturday, June 13.

An example of a market that applies good health protocols is the Bukateja Market in Purbalingga, Central Java. There, traders limit each other's stalls with plastic partitions or dividers. Traders also use masks and face shields.

In addition, the market in DKI Jakarta will apply an odd-even system. Merchants registered with odd numbers operate on odd numbers, in contrast to even numbers.

Then, the Salatiga market maintains a safe distance between traders of about 1 to 2 meters and uses the yard to move some of the traders' stalls.

Furthermore, Pasar Bendo Trenggalek limits the distance between stalls with transparent plastic and sells using plastic gloves or face shields.

"Although it is just a trial, this step needs to be praised and followed," said Reisa.

He added that all markets in Indonesia must undergo operational protocols during the new period in accordance with the Circular of the Minister of Trade Number 12 of 2020.

First, traders in traditional markets are required to use a mask or face shield and gloves during their activities. Avoid touching the face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth when trading, and wash your hands as often as possible.

Second, traders are only allowed to sell if they have a body temperature below 37.3 degrees Celsius. Body temperature checks for traders must be carried out before the market opens.

"People with respiratory problems such as cough or flu should not enter the market. The risk is too high, which is good for sufferers of the disease because it could be infectious and contagious," said Reisa.

Communication team member of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 Reisa Broto Asmoro (Photo: BNPB documentation)

Third, all traders in people's markets must be negative for COVID-19. This can be done by proving the results of a PCR examination or rapid test. The local government will facilitate the implementation of the COVID-19 test.

Fourth, there should be restrictions on visitors to the market. The number of visitors to the market is limited to a maximum of 30 percent of the number of visitors during the non-pandemic. Market Managers must monitor the movement of visitors at the entrance and exit of the market to prevent crowds of buyers.

"The sellers also have to limit the distance from the buyer to a minimum of one and a half meters per kiosk, which should be visited by at least 5 people," he said.

Fifth, market managers are advised to maintain cleanliness by spraying disinfectants regularly every 2 days. In addition, managers are required to provide hand washing soap, or at least hand sanitizers in market areas and supermarkets, so visitors who will enter the market are required to wash their hands first.

Sixth, traders must also optimize the space to sell in the open or in a parking lot with physical distancing, the distance between traders is about one and a half to 2 meters.

"It is hoped that the cooperation of all parties. If there are traders who do not comply with these regulations, the market manager can give a warning or even sanctions," concluded Reisa.