"During the year-end holidays, it is absolutely necessary to tighten and monitor health protocols at several tourist destinations," Minister Effendy noted in a written statement received here on Wednesday.
Tightening and supervising health protocols were prioritized at three locations: churches during the Christmas celebrations, at shopping areas, and local tourist sites.
"Not only limiting the number of visitors but also supervising the implementation of health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 must be tightened," he added.
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The minister also requested to optimally use the PeduliLindungi application at public places to monitor and track cases in the community.
Minister Effendy is optimistic that efforts to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 would not hinder the pace of the economy, and community activities would continue.
The former Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM) rector urged the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to ensure that local tourist destinations would continue to operate. He also urged the Ministry of Trade to ensure that the supply of basic commodities be maintained at the end of the year.
"What we have to consider is that no matter how strict and conservatively we apply provisions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, our economy must continue to run," Effendy stated.
According to the minister, all government policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic should help ensure unhindered running of the community's activities rather than triggering panic in society that may cause an economic imbalance.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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