The safety of athletes, officials, committee members, and the public from the threat of COVID-19 transmission can be ensured through the strict implementation of the health protocols, she added.
"Organizing PON in the midst of the pandemic is indeed a challenge for us all. Implementing strict health protocols is one of the keys to success for PON so it could run well," she remarked.
She said she expected that all the infrastructure and facilities, including those related to healthcare, would be ready ahead of the PON's opening ceremony.
Currently, contingents from various regions have started arriving in Papua, she noted. Therefore, the organizers must ensure that the health protocols are implemented properly, she said.
Maharani also reiterated the importance of keeping the athletes healthy so they can perform well during the match. According to her, it should be ensured that athletes and officials are following the health protocols. Those competing in matches that involve a lot of physical contact should undergo COVID-19 testing, she advised.
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Quarantine rooms at each match location must be readied and optimized for participants and the public who are suspected to have been exposed to COVID-19, Maharani said.
"Provide a separate area for those who are suspected (of having been infected). Ensure that the treatment of patients is in accordance with the procedures without compromising the safety and comfort factor," she added.
Maharani said the organizers could collaborate with the local government and the COVID-19 handling task force to educate the public on health protocol compliance, including mask-wearing.
She lauded the step taken by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), through the Health Protocol Task Force of the XX National Sports Week (PON), to distribute masks at Sentani Airport.
She then appealed to the TNI and police to continue maintaining security in Papua so that there is no problem related to safety throughout the implementation of the Papua PON.
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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