"Strengthening surveillance or monitoring continuously on COVID-19 data is an important key in supporting the transition toward the COVID-19 endemic," the ministry's official, Agus Suprapto, noted when contacted from here, Sunday.
According to Suprapto, optimizing laboratory-based surveillance can detect the potential threat of diseases early on, including COVID-19.
"This surveillance should also be intensified along with optimal education and dissemination of information on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and health protocols," he remarked.
People's participation to detect and report the threat of diseases in their respective environment is also necessary, he remarked.
"This is a public-based surveillance. This is very important so that strategic efforts will be undertaken to improve the people's participation, including through dissemination and education," he stated.
The main key in implementing surveillance is that it should be done at the lowest level while supported by the Public Health Center (Puskesmas) at the village level, he noted.
"To support the success of the surveillance activity, all parties should collectively play an active role," Suprapto remarked.
He reminded that throughout the transition toward recovery or the endemic period, expanding booster vaccination coverage should also be continued and improved.
"The public should also continue to implement health protocols, and the use of masks should also be continued, primarily in public transportation and closed public spaces," he remarked.
"We continue to remind that preparedness for starting the transition toward the endemic process necessitates the support and awareness of all strata of society," he remarked.
The awareness to protect ourselves and others can be realized by supporting the government's efforts in expanding COVID-19 vaccination coverage, he affirmed.
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Translator: Wuryanti P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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