IDI Supports Jokowi's Decision: The Policy To Ease The Use Of Masks Is Right

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) COVID-19 Handling Task Force assessed that the government's policy on easing the use of masks was appropriate considering the current low risk of COVID-19 transmission in the country.

"Agreed, because the risk of COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia is very low now," said the Head of the IDI COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Prof. Zubairi Djoerban was quoted by Antara, Thursday, May 19.

The low risk of COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia can be seen from the decline in new cases of COVID-19, the positivity rate which is below three percent and active cases which continue to decrease.

In addition, a number of COVID-19 referral hospitals currently rarely treat COVID-19 patients.

"The COVID-19 referral hospital is now very quiet, many are empty, there are no COVID-19 patients being treated," he said.

In addition, the percentage of citizens who have been vaccinated has also reached more than 70 percent of the total target target.

"For the elderly, (vaccinations, ed.) still need to be added. For boosters, they are still needed, but overall we have reached the target," said Zubairi.

However, he reminded the public that they are not free to take off their masks in every condition.

Masks should only be removed when in an open place where there are no crowds.

"If there is a large crowd, yes, we must still wear masks," he said.

President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (17/5) announced an easing of the use of masks outdoors because the COVID-19 pandemic was under control.

"By taking into account the current conditions, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is increasingly under control, the government has decided to relax the policy on wearing masks," Jokowi said in a video uploaded on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel.

The easing of the rules regarding the use of masks only applies to outdoors, not to closed rooms and public transportation.

For vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with comorbid diseases, the government has asked them to continue to wear masks.

The relaxation also applies to domestic and foreign travelers who have received the complete dose, and do not need to do a swab test, either PCR or antigen.

The obligation to wear masks also applies to people who are sick, such as coughing.