"At the moment, our routine has altered as life has been overshadowed by changes brought by COVID-19. It has become a challenge to restore individual independence (and) to keep working, but (we need to) adjust to the reality by complying with health protocols," Aziz said in a statement here on Thursday.
According to him, as long as a cure or vaccine for COVID-19 is not found, people must adapt to the new normal, which prescribes a new way to live, work, and interact with others, while adhering to the recommended health protocol.
The Golkar Party politician said the concept of a new normal is not new, and it can shift from time to time as changes occur, such as during an economic crisis, for instance.
"This term (new normal) has long been used in a variety of other contexts to imply that something that was not normal has become commonplace," he contended.
Under the present circumstances, the new normal relates to daily activities, such as economic activities, work, production-distribution, teaching-learning, and involves adjusting and innovating in response to the situation at hand, he explained.
In addition, people need to obey the rules and cooperate so they can protect each other, he stated.
"In the end, we need to prepare ourselves for the best while anticipating all the risks," Aziz remarked.
In the context of the new normal for health, he said, people need to realize they have a responsibility to protect each other, and start by protecting themselves, their families, and the surrounding community.
"The key is deeper awareness. We as a society need to support the struggle of doctors by taking care of ourselves by carrying out all health protocol procedures," he advised.
In addition, Aziz said, the use of the military and police for maintaining public order is also a priority at this time as their deployment would answer concerns related to the technical implementation of the new normal on the field.
He urged the public to acknowledge the good intentions and dedication of the Indonesian military and police in terms of protecting the community from COVID-19, an invisible enemy.
"We must succeed, so that the economic wheel can return to normal for the sake of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. For this reason, the public must comply with the recommended health protocol and maintain strict discipline. Then, we would win against COVID-19," he said.
Aziz reiterated that people may have to live with the new normal for a very long time, and once things improve, they can continue with their lives as planned.
"This process will build a strong individual disciplinary character. At present, all countries in the world are struggling with COVID-19 countermeasures, and no country has really succeeded with certain methods," he pointed out.
According to him, discipline is key to suppressing the spread of COVID-19, and the community must not give up.
If there is a second wave, the community must remain consistently disciplined to ensure the chain of COVID-19 transmission is broken, he said. (INE)
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Imam B, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
