Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Trade will provide protective gear and set up disinfection chambers at 157 markets in six provinces of Indonesia, including DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Banten, and Yogyakarta Special Region.

"To stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Trade will give aid in the form of health facilities to public markets, including (setting up) disinfection chambers, (and handing out) hand sanitizers, masks, and gloves that will be prioritized for sellers and buyers," said Minister of Trade, Agus Suparmanto, in a video conference held on Wednesday in Jakarta.

Especially in DKI Jakarta, the Ministry will provide such aid to 20 public markets, including the Kramat Jati Market.

Furthermore, in order to raise awareness about handling COVID-19, the Ministry of Trade will create a 'Trade Ministry Care Task Force' to collect donations from all workers and the general public.

The task force will be responsible for coordinating donations and distributing them to those in need, especially medical and health workers.

The donations would include medications, health equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, face shields, and cash.

"Aid from the Ministry of Trade has been distributed to three hospitals, including RSD Budiasih, RSD Tebet, and RSD Duren Sawit," the minister said.

He said he hoped the aid helps build the spirit of unity and caring for other people, adding that he remains optimistic that the COVID-19 pandemic shall end in the near future.

"We can go through this difficult time together with strong spirits," he remarked. (INE)


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Translator: Sella Panduarsa Gareta/Aria Ci
Editor: Suharto
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