Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - The Bangka Belitung Islands provincial government accelerated the administration of the COVID-19 booster vaccinations for its people in order to contribute to the success of the G20 Development Working Group (DWG) event hosted on September 7-9, 2022.

"I urge the people of Bangka Belitung, especially Belitung, to immediately get a COVID-19 booster vaccine," Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Ridwan Djamaluddin stated in his appeal in Pangkalpinang on Monday.

In a bid to expedite the administration of the third COVID-19 vaccination or booster in Belitung Island, the Bangka Belitung Islands Government, along with the Belitung and East Belitung Governments, had conducted meetings with religious, customary, and community groups, such as the National Youth Committee, Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association, hoteliers, and tourism and MSME players in Belitung Island to remind them to immediately get their booster vaccination, he noted.

"I advise the people of Belitung to push up the rate of booster vaccination, as it will prepare a campaign on anticipatory measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus," he affirmed.

Djamaluddin opined that development to be discussed by the G20 working group would be a comprehensive one that puts the community in the spotlight.

"I seek support, so that everyone can (immerse in) the spirit of togetherness, the spirit of diversity, the spirit of respect for each other, and acknowledge their existence, so that the world grows together," he affirmed.

Head of Belitung District Sahani remarked that currently, Belitung had made several preparations, ranging from medical personnel, health facilities, and lodging to infrastructure.

"We (disseminate information) to schools as well as collect data to support success in the implementation of G20," he stated.

Chairman of the East Belitung COVID Task Force, Ikhwan Fahrozi, said the regional government continued to administer vaccinations to boost the community's immunity from COVID-19 prior to the G20.

"Vaccinations have been conducted on a massive scale to cover people in remote villages," he added.

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Translator: Aprionis, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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