"Follow the advice from the government. Especially those who want to travel: get a booster (dose)," he said after the launch of the Family Planning 2030 program here on Monday.
He stressed that currently, the COVID-19 situation in Indonesia is still under control.
The number of deaths nationally can still be categorized as low, and the symptoms experienced by COVID-19-infected patients in hospitals are mostly mild, such as cough, runny nose, and fever.
Nevertheless, he advised all parties to remain vigilant.
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To measure the level of seriousness or threat from COVID-19, it is necessary to look at several pandemic indicators, two of which are the case fatality rate and mortality rate, he noted.
For the case fatality rate, the government must pay attention to the hospital BOR and the number of people who need intensive treatment, he said.
As for the mortality rate, the indicator is the number of people who die of COVID-19, he added.
To maintain antibodies and curb the transmission of COVID-19, the minister asked all parties who have not received a booster to immediately go to the nearest health facility to get the shot.
The Health Ministry started the fourth or second booster dose vaccination for health workers on July 29, 2022, through the issuance of Circular Number HK 02.02/C/3615/2022 regarding the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination for health human resources.
The second booster dose is being provided since health workers are at a high risk of being exposed to COVID-19. In addition, the step has been taken on account of the increasing number of health workers infected with COVID-19 in the country.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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