Task Force Rebukes Karanganyar Regent For Asking Residents To Think COVID-19 No Longer Exists

Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force Wiku Adisasmito/DOK IST

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, reprimanded Karanganyar Regent Juliyatmono for his statement that seemed to underestimate the spread of COVID-19 during the increase in cases due to the Omicron variant.

Wiku emphasized that regional heads are leaders who must be careful in their behavior. Because they are role models for the community.

"We request that all regional leaders put forward the principles of prudence and protection. Many Indonesian people follow their leaders as role models," Wiku said in a short message, Friday, February 18.

Wiku also reminded the public, especially Juliyatmono, about COVID-19, which is still life threatening to this day. Along with the increase in cases, the number of COVID-19 deaths also increases.

"There are 206 people who died as of today on February 17 and 63,956 people suffer from COVID. Hopefully none of the cases and deaths that occur will occur due to people's carelessness in dealing with the Omicron variant of COVID. We must take care of each other's safety," explained Wiku.

For information, in the video circulating, the Regent of Karanganyar, Juliyatmono, was seen giving a speech at the wedding reception. In his speech in the regional language, Juliyatmono asked residents to consider COVID-19.

"Hopefully everyone is healthy. The important thing is to take care of yourself. You don't have to worry about Omicron, you don't have to worry about COVID, just pretend it doesn't exist. Just wear a mask as a formality. God willing, Omicron is like a common cold," said Juliyatmono.

"Don't be afraid. If, for example, someone has a cold, just stay at home. You don't have to check everywhere first, okay. At home, you will eat full for three days, have money, be healthy," he continued.

Based on data from the Government's COVID-19 Task Force, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, is still included in PPKM level 2. Positive cases of COVID-19 in the region have recorded a spike since mid-January.