"The first one is the high vaccination coverage, especially for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly," Pandjaitan stated at an online press conference monitored from here on Monday night.
The second key is the application of Testing, Tracing, Treatment (3T), including optimal handling of centralized isolation places.
"Centralized isolation places are very important. People, who received a black status in the PeduliLindungi application, will be escorted to a centralized isolation. If people looking to enter malls get a black status in the PeduliLindungi application, then they will be taken as well to avoid transmission of the virus," Pandjaitan stated.
The third important aspect is high adherence to health protocols, including 3M, and the implementation of screening through the PeduliLindungi application, he remarked.
"If the vaccination rate is still low, then the three main strategies will be added with restrictions on community activities, such as implementation of the current PPKM," Pandjaitan noted.
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The deputy chair of the COVID-19 Control and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPC PEN) stated while highlighting President Joko Widodo's instructions that the objectives and policy directions for handling COVID-19 stayed consistent.
However, strategies and management on the field are adapted to the existing problems and challenges.
"Tightening and easing of community mobility, for instance, must be conducted at the latest every week, with reference to the latest data," he remarked.
The PPKM tightening and easing measures may often be interpreted as fluctuating or inconsistent policies.
However, that is precisely what is deemed necessary to find the best blend of health and economic interests of the community, he stated.
"This is since the virus is always changing and mutating, for which the handling must also change according to the challenges faced," the minister noted.
As a former military member, Pandjaitan affirmed that the handling of COVID-19 in Indonesia was no different from military operations.
"Military operations always evolved in an effort to be incognito, to be undetected by our opponent. We read about the nature of this Delta variant, and we also change our strategy to deal with it. That is why we can quickly make improvements in Indonesia," Pandjaitan added. (INE) Related news: Need to learn to live with COVID-19: task force
Translator: Ade Irma J, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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