“(PPKM) will continue to be implemented and be evaluated every two weeks,” Ginting noted in a dialogue titled "Mandatory Quarantine for All, For a Pandemic Free Indonesia" that was broadcast live on the FMB9ID_IKP YouTube channel, Thursday.
The PPKM is part of the government’s efforts to limit public mobility in order to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. To this end, several regulations have been issued to regulate domestic and foreign travel.
“These steps are aimed at maintaining public safety, security, and health," he noted.
Ginting conveyed the statement while responding to the increase in people's mobility caused by the lowering of PPKM levels.
He reminded the community to be aware of COVID-19 variants that are still circulating among them, including the delta, delta plus, and several other strains, especially since the delta variant is a highly contagious strain of COVID-19.
“It could increase the number of people receiving treatment and the mortality rate,” he noted.
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Ginting observed that despite the restrictions being eased, some citizens were still not disciplined in following health protocols.
This condition has also been exacerbated by misinformation and various misinterpretations that lower awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, vaccinations for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with comorbidities or congenital diseases, adolescents, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, have not yet reached 70-percent coverage.
"The decline in active cases, positivity rate, mortality rate, and bed occupancy rate should not make us negligent," Ginting emphasized.
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Translator: Putu Indah, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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