In a statement received here on Monday, he said that he did not want another spike in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of next year.
There was a spike in COVID-19 transmission in early January 2021, he noted. The spike was caused by high mobility and activities that caused crowding during the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, he added.
The minister called for good anticipation so that a rise in COVID-19 cases will not happen again.
"We don't want it (to happen again). (As per) Mr. President's direction, he doesn't want to repeat it. Don't let there be a spike (in COVID-19 transmission cases)," he reiterated.
Karnavian said that Indonesia must maintain the current trend in cases, which has been going well.
Related news: Govt to ensure health protocol adherence before year-end holidays
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed Indonesia as a Level 1 country in terms of COVID-19 spread, which means coronavirus transmission in the country is low, he said. This status is reflected on CDC's official website, he added.
"We are a low country (in terms of COVID-19 spread rate), not many countries are low, for a class like Indonesia, which (has) 270 million people, it can be categorized as low, that's extraordinary," he remarked.
He said that this success has been due to the hard work of all stakeholders, and as such needs to be maintained and improved.
Among the efforts that can be undertaken to achieve this are imposing strict health protocols at all times, the minister said. Thus, people should not be euphoric over the relaxation of community activities in accordance with the decline in COVID-19 cases, he added.
"Don't be euphoric, the relaxation has been done gradually. Don't go back to immediately (do activities) as if there was no pandemic. This is what we need to be aware of together and ask for support from all stakeholders, including the community, so that we can control it without (creating) a new spike (in cases)," he said.
Related news: Government to limit public mobility during year-end holidays
Translator: Boyke Ledy W, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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