Purnomo noted in Surabaya on Thursday that his side had lauded the vaccination programs held successfully in Surabaya City. However, he urged the public to not just stop there.
Purnomo suggested that they aim to fully vaccinate all people of Surabaya if possible.
The epidemiologist deems it impossible to achieve herd immunity once the delta variant of the virus spreads swiftly.
"Hence, (we) got to aim for a 100-percent vaccination rate, so Surabaya can (be considered as) a green zone. The most important aspect is let us fight COVID-19 together," Purnomo affirmed.
Purnomo noted that Surabaya City was currently under Level 4 of community activities restriction as was listed in the situational assessment. The level should be further downgraded. He further pointed out that the situation was getting better on account a decline in the number of cases.
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The epidemiologist lauded the 3T (testing, tracing, treatment) conducted in Surabaya City, albeit also urged testing for those who were traced. "I think it is possible to do this," he affirmed.
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi noted during a focus group discussion with pentahelix elements on Wednesday, August 18, that Surabaya had taken steps for acceleration, both to lose the orange zone tag and transition to yellow zone, as well as expedite COVID-19 vaccinations.
"We and the regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda) aim to be able to change (our status as) orange zone to yellow zone in a month to come," he stated.
Cahyadi believes that the transition as well as acceleration of vaccination can be achieved if people work hand-in-hand to realize them together.
"If we, together, offer an understanding and disseminate information, then the change will immediately occur in Surabaya City, and Surabaya’s economy can once again move forward," he stated.
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Translator: Abdul Hakim, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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