Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Papua COVID-19 task force has urged authorities and communities across the province to counter disinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations, saying it has made many residents reluctant to get vaccinated.

Hoaxes and scams related to COVID-19 vaccinations have even "haunted" several members of communities, making them doubt the necessity for vaccination, the task force's head, Welliam R.Manderi, said here on Tuesday.

To counter the spread of C0VID-19 vaccine-related scams, public awareness campaigns on the safety and importance of vaccination drives to break the chain of coronavirus transmission need to be intensified, he advised.

"We must massively conduct public awareness campaigns and keep providing the public with accurate and reliable sources of information on the benefits of joining the COVID-19 vaccination drives," Manderi said.

The Papua COVID-19 task force personnel have not tired of informing locals about the importance of vaccinations for building herd immunity in the province, he added.

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Local residents living near sporting venues of this year's PON National Games and athletes villages must get vaccinated prior to the convening of Indonesia's prestigious multi-sport events in October, he added.

Papua has lately grabbed the attention of Indonesia's media outlets as it is scheduled to host this year's PON National Games and National Para Games (Peparnas).

The PON National Games will be held in Jayapura city and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke this year from October 2-15, while Peparnas will be held from November 2-15.

At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia are expected to participate in Papua's PON National Games, which will feature 37 events.

Meanwhile, 1,935 athletes and 740 officials will take part in the National Para Games in Jayapura city and Jayapura district, which will feature 12 events.

To ensure the safety of athletes and officials participating in the PON National Games and National Para Games, President Joko Widodo has urged the concerned agencies to inoculate all athletes.

The head of state has also instructed that local residents living near the venues of the sporting events and athletes' villages be vaccinated, according to Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali.
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Translator: Hendrina DK, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
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