The regulation has not been adjusted because the government is being inconsistent, it is because the virus itself is inconsistent due to mutation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The adjustment of the regulation concerning the Christmas and New Year holidays should not be taken to mean the government is inconsistent in its coronavirus response, the COVID-19 Task Force's health handling chief has said.



"The regulation has not been adjusted because the government is being inconsistent, it is because the virus itself is inconsistent due to mutation," Alexander Ginting explained at an online event here on Wednesday.



"This can be observed in how there are 30 mutation groups for the Omicron variant," he pointed out during the 'Remain Cautious and Do Not Let Up at the End of the Year' event.



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This condition has driven the government to make numerous adjustments, including in its Christmas and New Year policies, he added.



The government is aiming to bump up the COVID-19 vaccination rate to above 70 percent both for the first and the second dose by the end of December 2021, he noted.



"Vaccination should also reach vulnerable populations such as the elderly. For them, we are striving to carry out direct and personal efforts. Families should encourage the elderly to get vaccinated," Ginting affirmed.


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Elderly citizens who have comorbidities or who are concerned about their health post vaccination can get vaccinated at hospitals, he said.



In addition to the elderly population, the vaccination program is also targeting other vulnerable groups such as pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, children, and COVID-19 survivors, he added.



COVID-19 survivors are expected to get vaccinated despite the fact that they have developed antibodies against the virus, he said.



The expectation is that the people will be protected through this measure if the virus starts to mutate within the nation, Ginting added.



"Especially those included in the vulnerable group," he elaborated.

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Once the vaccination percentage is above 70 percent both for the first dose and second dose, the government will start planning booster shots for 2022, he informed.



To this end, the task force is encouraging people and stakeholders to assist one another to increase vaccinations within the nation, Ginting said.



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Translator: Indriani, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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