We must move to build herd immunity in this province in all districts and cities
Manokwari, W Papua (ANTARA) - West Papua province's COVID-19 task force is planning to start mass vaccinations for the residents of Arfak Mountains district by involving vaccinators from the government, the Indonesian Military (TNI), and the National Police.

In Manokwari on Saturday, West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan said the provincial government has scheduled mass COVID-19 vaccinations in the district.

"The involvement of vaccinators from the TNI and the police in the mass vaccination in Arfak Mountains district has been stated in the governor's instructions regarding the extension of level 3 and 2 public activity restrictions (PPKM) until August 23," he said.

Mandacan, who is also head of the West Papua COVID-19 task force, said he will soon call the district head of the Arfak Mountains, Yosias Saroy, to coordinate the implementation of mass vaccinations in the area.

"I will call the district head of the Arfak Mountains to prepare for the COVID-19 mass vaccinations. The district head is also expected to coordinate with the local police," he said.

Vaccination coverage has reached 32.9 percent of the target in West Papua. However, the vaccination rate in the Arfak Mountains district is still very low compared to the other 13 districts and cities in the province, he noted.

"We must move to build herd immunity in this province in all districts and cities. We will ensure that by the end of August, 50 percent of the targeted 70 percent West Papua population is vaccinated against COVID-19," the governor added.

To stem the spread of COVID-19 and build herd immunity, the Indonesian government has rolled out a nationwide vaccination program since January 13, 2021. President Joko Widodo was the first vaccine recipient in the country.

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Translator: Hans Arnold, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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