Our relatives and friends are currently battling COVID-19 and receiving treatments in the hospital
Pontianak (ANTARA) - Mayor of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Edi Rusdi Kamtono, has said his administration is targeting to vaccinate around 450 thousand out of the city's 670 thousand residents to reduce COVID-19 transmission.



"From the experience of those who have been vaccinated and then tested positive for COVID-19, they experienced milder symptoms. Meanwhile, those who have not been vaccinated and infected by the virus experienced more severe symptoms," said the mayor while opening a mass vaccination program organized by the West Kalimantan Malay Youth Front here on Wednesday.



Based on data provided by the Health Office of Pontianak City, just about 100 thousand people in the city have been vaccinated against COVID-19.


Related news: West Kalimantan secures medical oxygen from India, Malaysia



"Our relatives and friends are currently battling COVID-19 and receiving treatments in the hospital," Kamtono said, emphasizing that COVID-19 is a real threat.



However, he underlined that it is undeniable that the number of those who have recovered is also significant. "Those with high immunity generally have recovered by the tenth day," he said.



But, even though residents are being vaccinated, it does not mean that they can stop following the health protocols, he cautioned.



Health protocols are the key to preventing the transmission of COVID-19, Kamtono said.



He then appealed to people to encourage their parents to take part in the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Related news: Bed occupancy rate in West Java hospitals declines to 79%



"Brothers and sisters, if your parents haven't been vaccinated, please encourage them to get vaccinated," he remarked.



Currently, there are limited vaccines available because their supply depends on the central government, the mayor said. Meanwhile, the vaccine stocks in the country are also reliant on imports, he added.



Therefore, people must continue to follow the 5M health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands with soap in running water, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowds, and limiting mobility and social interaction, he urged.


Related news: Govt asks people to not worry about vaccine availability


Related news: Low vaccination rates impact economic recovery: Ministry



Translator: Andilala, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021