In accordance with the directive given to us by Indonesia's President Joko Widodo to prevent the entry of the new COVID-19 variant into Indonesia, we have prepared several precautionary measures.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Transportation is readying several measures to prevent the new COVID-19 variant, Mu, from entering Indonesia through requisite handling of transportation hubs -- international airports and international harbours -- serving international routes.

"In accordance with the directive given to us by Indonesia's President Joko Widodo to prevent the entry of the new COVID-19 variant into Indonesia, we have prepared several precautionary measures," Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi noted in a written statement observed here on Tuesday.

Sumadi stated that the ministry was endeavoring to boost internal consolidation and to coordinate with related parties, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Harbour Health Office (KKP), Ministry of Health, COVID-19 Handling Task Force, and the Directorate General of Immigration.

"We will hold a meeting to coordinate with related parties, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, COVID-19 Handling Task Force, and Directorate General of Immigration, to determine the required handling steps to prevent the entry of a new COVID-19 variant," he affirmed.

Related news: MU variant not as fast as Delta in transmission: virologist

Sumadi noted that the Ministry of Transportation will coordinate with the army and the police for security purposes, seek the opinion of epidemiology experts, and uncover information regarding other countries' experiences.

In addition, the Ministry of Transportation is communicating with the operators of transportation facilities and infrastructure to consistently maintain health protocols and to raise awareness of the new COVID-19 variant.

Earlier, during the Public Activity Restriction (PPKM) evaluation meeting on Monday, President Joko Widodo advised to be cautious of the new COVID-19 strain, the Mu variant, or B.1.621.

The president requested the Ministry of Transportation to assist in preventing the entry of the new variant into Indonesia.

Related news: Central Java takes precautionary measures against COVID-19 Mu variant

Translator: Adimas Fahky P, Fadhli R
Editor: Suharto
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