We have already had the PeduliLindungi application. With this application, citizens can be monitored and then have their mobilization status mitigated and evaluated
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's COVID-19 condition is better than its neighboring countries, according to Vice Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono.

"At the moment, escalation is still occurring in neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. However, here, it has started to settle down for us," Harbuwono noted during an online press conference observed here on Monday evening.

To this end, he cautioned citizens to maintain strict health protocols despite being vaccinated and the number of domestic COVID-19 cases having started to decrease.

Harbuwono pointed out that of all the various handling strategies applied to contain the virus spread, the most important ones comprise epidemiology test, close contact ratio tracing, and vaccination acceleration.

The vice health minister remarked that the public activity restriction (PPKM) level 1-4 should continue to be imposed along with the utilization of digital technology in the implementation of health protocols.


Related news: Regional heads should utilize vaccine stocks in area: Babel governor


"We have already had the PeduliLindungi application. With this application, citizens can be monitored and then have their mobilization status mitigated and evaluated," Harbuwono expounded.

He outlined four criteria, specifically green, yellow, red, and black. The black criteria applies to those having positive cases and positive close contact.

"This is evaluated, so that the spread would not occur and to prevent an infection from occurring," he elaborated.

The vice health minister highlighted that the government had utilized the PeduliLindungi application in six sectors: trade, transportation, tourism, office or factory, religion, and education.

Related news: Indonesia receives 225.4 million vaccine doses in 50 batches

"It will be implemented in several other sectors soon," he pointed out.

Harbuwono stated that in the PeduliLindungi application, they had identified 1,625 cases that fell into the black criteria.

"Hence, the 1,625 cases are those that did not earlier know or were earlier unaware of being infected with COVID-19 or having come in close contact, but they still roamed the streets," he expounded.


Related news: House Speaker emphasizes fair access to COVID vaccines


Related news: Vice President reviews COVID-19 vaccination at UI Dental Hospital

Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021