The masks distributed to several regions in West Java Province comprised 28 thousand for Bandung City, 28 thousand for Sumedang District, 26 thousand for West Bandung District, 26 thousand for Bandung District, and 26 thousand for Cimahi District, according to a BNPB official.
"The BNPB strives to optimize the function of PPKM posts to encourage people to be more obedient to following health protocols," Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari noted in a press release received by ANTARA, Jakarta, Tuesday.
According to Muhari, the distribution of these masks was part of the endeavors to enforce and monitor public compliance to health protocols.
Muhari stated that masks were widely distributed since based on the records of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of Monday, August 2, West Java Province had recorded the highest number of COVID-19 active cases, reaching 118,967.
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In addition, West Java ranked fourth in terms of the number of deaths, reaching 9,679, and came second in terms of the recovery rates, at 485,491, according to records.
The masks were targeted for distribution in West Java at PPKM posts and residential areas as well as to pedestrians, traders, and motorists. "During the distribution of masks, the officers also reminded them to always stay disciplined in wearing masks," Muhari stated.
He urged PPKM posts across villages and sub-districts to be routinely and independently disinfected with the provided tools.
Furthermore, Muhari remarked that his team had initiated a centralized isolation center for COVID-19-positive patients.
The series of activities aimed to support the implementation of health protocols and changes in community behavior, he emphasized.
"This end-to-end support is expected to immediately break the chain of COVID-19 transmission in the country," Muhari stated.
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Translator: Anita D, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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