The personnel will be stationed in crowded places, including shopping centers and public transportation stations.
"More precisely, the Polri-TNI personnel will be deployed to regulate and educate the public. They will help shop owners and mall security guards to remind visitors on the right way to queue up in accordance with the health protocols. Those not having masks will be reminded to wear them or be given masks," National Police Chief General Idham Azis remarked when contacted by ANTARA here on Tuesday night.
The deployment of Polri officers at several public facilities is in accordance with the Polri's function to protect, care, and serve the community, he stated.
Azis expounded that this intervention by the Polri and TNI was unrelated to law enforcement but instead was an effort to educate the public to adopt a disciplined approach in applying health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is not law enforcement but an effort to train (the community) to be disciplined (in implementing health protocols)," the four-star general clarified.
This holds significance since in the new normal era, people are given the opportunity to resume their daily activities, so additional efforts are necessary to ensure they do not contract the COVID-19 virus.
The number of Polri personnel deployed will later be adjusted to the needs on the field.
The government has considered allowing citizens to conduct their routine activities in the new normal era, albeit they should follow health protocols to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto has issued guidelines on the application of protocols in the new normal era.
The guideline is stipulated in Minister of Health Decree Number HK.01.07 / MENKES / 328/2020 on COVID-19 Prevention and Control Guidelines at Office and Industrial Workplaces in Supporting Business Sustainability in Pandemic Situations.
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Translator: Anita PD, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
