The vaccination will continue on January 14 and 15, 2021, Karnavian noted here on Tuesday.
In spite of the vaccination, the minister advised Indonesians to always apply the 3M health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands, and practicing social distancing.
"We must not become lax about 3M, not only in wearing masks, maintaining our distance, and washing our hands properly and often. A crowd could become a super spreader. It is of no use for us to conduct tracing. It is pointless if there is still a crowd," he remarked.
Karnavian also reminded to optimally disseminate information on this mass vaccination so as not to create chaos or haste in the community.
"Do not let a chaos arise since vaccines are like gold. There can be seizures, crowds, etc.", the minister emphasized.
Hence, the minister urged regional heads to formulate regulations specifically to address situations that can potentially draw crowds and to coordinate with the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), Police, and Satpol PP (civilian security guards), as well as establish a COVID-19 Command Post in each area.
Chairperson of the Task Force for COVID-19 Handling Doni Monardo called for consistent public discipline in implementing health protocols by wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance, and not causing a crowd.
"The narrative about this vaccine should not make people think that after the vaccine is available, everything will be over. No, the vaccine will not immediately stop COVID-19. The vaccine will not help unvaccinated people to escape COVID-19," he stated.
Monardo also urged the provincial, district, and city governments to work hard to boost the capacity of hospital isolation rooms with the support of the central government.
Local governments are also urged to establish command posts from the provincial level to the village level. Related news: Indonesia's first phase of COVID-19 vaccination takes 15 months: govt
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Boyke LW, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
