"In line with the President's instruction that public transportation must continue operating to serve the public, we have coordinated with all transport operators to ensure that public services remain open and they can assure the hygiene (of the facilities)," spokesperson of the ministry Adita Irawati said in a statement here on Tuesday.
According to Irawati, the ministry has worked closely with transportation operators to educate people, through mass media or directly to passengers, on ensuring safe transportation to prevent the spread of the virus on public transportation.
"Once again we called on people who use public transportation to maintain their personal hygiene, and avoid taking public transportation when they feel unhealthy to avoid transmission," she said.
The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who concurrently is acting Minister of Transportation, has issued five directives for the Transportation Ministry.
The five orders include a request to collect data on individuals in the Ministry who are suspected of being infected with the new strain of coronavirus (Covid-19) and to give them priority in health check-ups.
The minister has directed that sterilization of work spaces in the Ministry of Transportation start within the next two days.
He has also prohibited Transport Ministry officials and employees from making official visits abroad for the time being.
The Director General of Sea Transportation, Director General of Civil Aviation, Director General of Land Transportation, and Director General of Railways have been asked to prioritize the cleaning of all modes of public transportation, including spraying disinfectants three times a day.
The same measures have been put in place in the regions. The minister has directed that there be public outreach or announcements at main points of public transportation about the symptoms of COVID-19. He has asked that an appeal be made to the public to maintain personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness, and for people to refrain from travel if they feel ill.
The minister has also asked that the Ministry of Transportation ensure smooth logistics and transportation, to ensure the availability of basic necessities for the public.
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Translator: Juwita Trisna R, Sri Haryati
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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