This Is Anies' Strategy To Anticipate The Third Wave Of COVID-19 In Jakarta

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan/PHOTO: Diah Ayu/VOI

JAKARTA - The government says there is a potential for a third wave of COVID-19 in Indonesia, it is predicted that a spike in cases will occur at the end of the year or next December.

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan admitted that he had a strategy to anticipate the emergence of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the capital. It is based on previous surge experience.

"We are in Jakarta with the experience of the first and second waves. Therefore, the early detection system is continuously activated," said Anies at the National Monument area, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, September 22.

As of now, Anies said, the COVID-19 early detection system in Jakarta has not been deployed. Among them, the examination of COVID-19 cases is still 8.4 times higher than the WHO standard.

"So, even though our positivity rate has been at 0.7 (percent), but testing activities are not lowered, it remains high to detect if there is a row of days where the first case material begins to appear, showing an increasing trend, then we can immediately be alert, " said Anies.

Previously, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Siti Nadia Tarmizi, confirmed the potential for a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Therefore, Siti Nadia reminded that mobility and community activities must be balanced with strict health protocols (prokes).

"So it is very possible that the pattern occurred, even in America and in Europe at this time they are also facing the third wave," said Nadia.

In fact, he continued, in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, there was still an increase in COVID-19 cases and had not yet completed the second wave of Corona.

"Malaysia, Singapore also haven't actually completed the second wave. So, actually we have to finish the second wave first, and then reduce the second transmission rate. Well, that means (the third wave) is very possible," explained Nadia.

"Moreover, yes, in our countries, the cases are still very high. Now, it has the potential to then contribute to an increase in cases in Indonesia. Because we know, we are very close, like Malaysia and Singapore," continued Nadia.

Nadia emphasized that strict procedures must be carried out with discipline, in line with community activities that have begun to be opened in the extension of level PPKM.

"Again, we have to remember that in addition to the health protocols we continue to implement, plus the use of the PeduliLindung technology application, then efforts to encourage more massive testing must also be carried out even though we know the cases have greatly decreased," said Nadia.