Cianjur, West Java (ANTARA) - The community still needs to implement the health protocols though the public activity restrictions (PPKM) policy has been revoked, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said on Wednesday.

"Regarding PPKM, what lifted is the restrictions on people: there are no (more) restrictions in people's movements. Because COVID-19 (pandemic) has not been declared ended by the WHO (World Health Organization), we must remain vigilant, including (by following the) health protocols, wearing masks, especially regarding vaccination," he said.

COVID-19 vaccinations must continue to be carried out in order to improve people's immunity against the virus, he added.

“The PeduliLindungi (application) is still being implemented, even being integrated with others. Thus, it (the application) is still there, but the restrictions are no longer there," he said.

With the revocation of the PPKM policy, it is hoped that the community will be able to carry out economic activities more quickly, the Vice President added.

"But still, we must maintain the health protocols," he said.

President Joko Widodo, on December 30, 2022, announced an end to the PPKM policy, which was enforced to control COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia.

The revocation of the PPKM policy means that there will be no more restrictions on public activities and mobility, he said.

"However, I ask all people and the nation to remain careful and vigilant," the President added.

As of December 27, 2022, Indonesia had recorded only 1.7 COVID-19 cases per 1 million population, with the weekly positivity rate pegged at just 3.35 percent, he noted.

Indonesia also recorded a 4.79 percent bed occupancy rate and 2.39 percent fatality rate, he added.

The first case of COVID-19 in Indonesia was confirmed in March 2020. According to data from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of January 4, 2023, the nation has recorded 6,721,692 COVID-19 cases, 6,552,142 recoveries, and 160,657 deaths.

Related news: President reviews trade at Pekanbaru market after PPKM lifted
Related news: COVID treatment funding to remain until regulation revoked: ministry
Related news: COVID emergency status still valid despite PPKM revocation: ministry







Translator: Desca Lidya, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023