We (must) stay disciplined in wearing masks
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin reminded citizens to continue to wear masks following the 2022 Eid despite a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases that was lower than the other countries' rate.

"We (must) stay disciplined in wearing masks. No need to copy other countries that were too (euphoric), which caused their cases to spike up again," Sadikin stated in the Ministry's Press Release about the Limited Community Activities Restriction Meeting Results, accessed here on Monday.

The minister remarked that while the number of positive daily cases in Indonesia was only capped at 600, several countries, such as China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, still recorded hundreds of thousands of cases.

There are other aspects that the government still had to figure out pertaining to the virus' dynamics in future. It was expected that nobody becomes euphoric or stays too calm over the current low rate of cases.

"A message from Mr. President, as (reiterated) by Mr. Coordinating Minister, was that it would be ideal if we stay cautious," he stated.

To keep the case count down, Minister Sadikin also reminded everyone to not act recklessly, such as by following every single step taken by other countries.

In this scenario, Indonesia should capitalize on the opportunity of being in a controlled COVID-19 pandemic situation and make it as a basis to drive the economic recovery process.

Sadikin said masks had become an integrated part of everyone's lifestyle. With so many designs, colours, and patterns to them that can be mixed and matched with one's fashion style, he opined that masks should not be a strange item to wear anymore.

By wearing masks, the citizens are protected from COVID-19, thereby allowing them to partake in the Eid exodus comfortably.

Moreover, a study conducted by the Health Ministry and Faculty of Public Health at the University of Indonesia showed that Indonesians' antibody levels skyrocketed to 99.2 percent, either through vaccination or infection.

"That is what makes us (the government) believe that God allows, this Ramadan sees the Eid exodus going smoothly without any harm coming to our people," he concluded.

Related news: Indonesians urged to keep wearing masks during Ramadan
Related news: Bangka Belitung Islands Police to distribute 100,000 free masks
Related news: BNPB distributes free masks at 47 locations in Jakarta

Translator: Hreeloita D S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022