"Our success in decreasing the number of COVID-19 cases should not end," Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G. Plate, said in an official statement released on Saturday.
Based on last year's experience, people's mobility increased during the Christmas and New Year holidays, causing the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths to spike sharply, he noted.
Therefore, the government has strengthened anticipatory measures for the end of this year, the minister said.
The first of its six strategies for anticipating a third wave of infections is ensuring the easing of activity restrictions is followed by strict control on the field, he informed and appealed to the public to remain vigilant in responding to the easing of restrictions.
"We should stay alert by complying with the health protocols and limiting our mobility," he remarked.
Related news: Indonesia urged to increase airport security to avert third wave: IDI
Second, the government has continued to increase the vaccination rate among older adults, especially in agglomeration areas and centers of economic growth, to prevent a high death and hospitalization rate if there is a third wave, the minister said.
Third, the government is expediting vaccinations of children so that their immune systems are strengthened by the time the Christmas and New Year's holidays arrive, he informed.
Fourth, the government is implementing strict protocols for international travel, especially in Bali, the minister said.
Fifth, it is strengthening the role of local governments in supervising activities and educating residents in the region regarding the health protocols that need to be implemented, he added.
Lastly, it is promoting the health protocols to improve the community's health protocol compliance, Plate said.
"Good cooperation from all parties is needed so that Indonesia can successfully handle the COVID-19 pandemic," the minister said.
The government has also appealed to the Christmas organizing committee to comply with the Circular Letter of the Minister of Religious Affairs Number 29 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of the Commemoration of Religious Holidays to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and, at the same time, provide a sense of security to people celebrating Christmas.
Related news: Indonesia increases testing to anticipate third COVID-19 wave
Related news: Daily case count can significantly increase during year-end holidays
Translator: Natisha A, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
