A COVID-19 Case Appears At XX Papua National Sports Week, Puan: Don't Let This Sports Festival Bring Problems

Speaker of the House of Representatives Mrs. Maharani

JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, has urged a total evaluation of health protocols in the implementation of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON). Especially after the discovery of a number of COVID-19 cases in PON participants.

"There must be an evaluation of the health protocol at PON XX Papua. We do not want the safety of the people to be at stake because the implementation of the health program is not optimal," said Puan, Wednesday, October 6.

Currently, according to reports, there are at least 29 PON participants, both athletes, officials, and committees who have been exposed to the Corona virus. A total of 29 people are spread across 4 PON 2021 clusters, namely in Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika Regency, and Jayapura Regency.

The majority of PON participants who were exposed to COVID-19 experienced mild symptoms. One of the 29 have recovered, and one is in self-isolation. The rest are being treated on two ships owned by Pelni and a number of hospitals.

Putri Megawati Soekarnoputri asked the organizers to immediately isolate PON participants who were indicated to be positive for Corona. Puan also reminded the importance of tracking accuracy and sterilization to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Don't let the implementation of this sporting event bring problems to the community, especially the people of Papua as the host who opens the door to the implementation of the PON," she said.

“Find out what went wrong until there are enough cases of COVID-19. All parties must work together to find a solution to avoid the increasing number of PON participants who are exposed to Corona," added Puan.

Puan also highlighted the lax health protocols at the location of the PON. Because based on reports, inspections and supervision during matches are often less than optimal.

“The health protocol at the opening of the PON a few days ago was quite good. The same application must be carried out in every venue so that all parties involved in the implementation of the PON are in a safe condition," she said.

The committee is also asked to consistently check vaccine certificates for spectators who come to every PON match. In addition, Puan reminded that the requirement for a maximum audience capacity of 25% should not be ignored.

“If the audience is in groups, the committee must immediately remind them. Including if someone takes off the mask. The organizers together with the COVID-19 Handling Task Force must implement the procedures according to the initial plan," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

On the other hand, athletes and officials should not be negligent in implementing prokes. Athletes and officials are reminded not to interact with the outside environment during matches.

“I understand the euphoria when the athlete wants to greet the cheering audience. But let's raise awareness of the need for process discipline for the common good," said Puan.

But he hopes that the findings of the COVID-19 case will not dampen the spirit of the Papua PON. Puan also hopes that there will be no additional cases at the four-yearly sporting event.

"Let's work together to keep Papua PON well organized. Stay enthusiastic, optimistic, and apply the prokes to the fullest," she urged.

Puan herself before the implementation of the grand national sporting event had reminded the key to the success of PON XX Papua is the discipline of implementing health protocols.

“Don't forget about it, and this must be done by all parties. We must be able to prove that Indonesia is able to properly organize the first national-scale event since the Covid-19 pandemic," concluded Puan.