Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health protocols should be applied as stringently as possible during the National Sports Week (PON) XX, Papua, to minimize the COVID-19 infection risk, COVID-19 Handling Task Force's Behaviour Change Department Head Sonny B. Harmadi stated.

At a webinar observed from here on Saturday, Harmadi highlighted that the Task Force had designed guidelines for the application of health protocols during PON XX along with a list of requirements that had to be met.

Health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should applied by all involved in the Papua PON XX starting from 14 days before departure, while travelling to and from Papua, and while staying there, he stressed.

Athletes and PON's spectators must have received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine and have undergone antigen test to ensure that they are not infected with coronavirus.

He explained that during PON, the stadium is divided into three zones: the first zone is the match arena filled with athletes, referees, and officials; the second zone is for spectators and media crew; and the third zone is the area outside the stadium.

In order to limit the risk of COVID-19 infection, the number of people allowed within each zone and Papua PON XX arena will be limited.

"The implementation of PON should not cause crowding. We are optimistic that everybody would truly follow the rule," Harmadi asserted.

He added that direct interaction and the people's mobility should also be limited in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection during PON XX.

PON XX will be held in Papua on October 2-13, 2021. Athletes from 34 provinces of Indonesia will compete in 37 sports disciplines at the event.

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Translator: Indriani, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
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