If the pandemic is over in Indonesia, but some other countries are still struggling to control the pandemic, then the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yetJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia will not enter the COVID-19 endemic stage if even one country is trailing behind in terms of tackling COVID-19, according to the government spokesperson for COVID-19 handling Wiku Adisasmito.
"If we cooperate in the global stage and societies throughout the world move in unison, then certainly, we can bring this pandemic to an end together," Adisasmito stated during an online talk show observed virtually in Jakarta on Friday.
The spokesperson remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global issue that necessitates unified actions globally.
"If the pandemic is over in Indonesia, but some other countries are still struggling to control the pandemic, then the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet," he emphasized.
COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that can spread easily to other regions and countries, as was proven by the Omicron variant, which initially emerged in South Africa and then spread to Indonesia in last November, he stated.
The COVID-19 Delta variant had also been the virus variant that caused the second COVID-19 infection wave in Indonesia in June and July 2021, the spokesperson pointed out.
Adisasmito remarked that the COVID-19 endemic stage could be achieved only if the global community adheres to health protocols enforced in respective countries, such as the requirement to wear a mask and frequent hand washing as well as remind and protect each other from the dangers of the disease.
Residents must also seek accurate information about COVID-19 from official sources, such as government websites, as they need to constantly follow updates about the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations, he noted.
"We need to remind each other (about COVID-19), and we must learn together and not become the know-it-all person," Adisasmito stressed.
Adisasmito also spoke of being confident about Indonesia being an example to other countries in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, as the country is among the most populous, with different groups living together in harmony.
Indonesians must also be heedful of the conditions of others and not be ignorant to public issues to help end the pandemic, he emphasized.
"As a great nation, we can be an example to help others bring the pandemic to an end. We will enter the endemic stage soon if we also help them," Adisasmito remarked.
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Translator: Hreeloita DS, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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