"On this occasion, we also convey that in the near future, the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry will coordinate with the task force to create family health protocols to prevent COVID-19 infection within and outside the home," Bintang Puspayoga stated during a press conference at the Presidential Office, Thursday.
Puspayoga pressed for taking decisive steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the smallest unit of society, the family.
"We are optimistic of family health protocols being implemented in the event of a family member contracting the infection. What steps should be taken," Puspayoga stated.
Currently, to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within and outside homes, the minister urged families in Indonesia to strictly enforce 3M, wear masks, maintain a safe distance, wash hands, and temporarily avoid activities that involve the presence of all extended family members.
"To families all over Indonesia, women and children, we suggest that during this pandemic, reduce or avoid gatherings of extended families directly. In this pandemic situation, we have introduced online or virtual meetings, one simple example being birthdays," she added.
Furthermore, Bintang Puspayoga sought the involvement of institutions or women observers, one of which was the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) for the 3M campaign.
The ministry’s Children's Forum is spread across 34 provinces and 451 districts and cities.
"The dissemination of information or the 3M campaign we conduct always pertains to wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining safe distance. Now, we have to conduct this on a massive scale and involve women’s institutions and observers, including the PKK and children's forums spread across 34 provinces and 451 districts and cities, where they as pioneers. We can invite them to disseminate information on a massive scale about 3M," Bintang Puspayoga explained.
In terms of family clusters, disciplined adherence to strict health protocols is the key to suppressing the spread. Puspayoga believes that discipline should not only be maintained while leaving the house but also while interacting in the household.
"Women, as the household managers, especially have to always remind their families, and we recommend that they wear masks even at home. This is especially important in families where vulnerable groups, such as toddlers and the elderly, exist," she stated.
The minister believes that involving women in the family will clearly reduce the surfacing of new clusters.
"Everyone, let us unite hand in hand, work together. I am sure that the strength of women will help us come out of this difficult situation. Women are empowered, children are protected, Indonesia is advanced," the minister emphasized. Related news: Indonesia readies health protocols to be applied at refugee shelters
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Translator: Desca L, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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