"The coronavirus still exists, and case spikes can occur if people neglect to implement health protocols," warned Mikron Antariksa, the task force's secretary, on Saturday.
Although there has been a decline in COVID-19 infections during Ramadan, the task force, along with related offices in district or city governments, is intensifying the dissemination of information on health protocols and booster vaccinations.
"We expect that people traveling for Eid celebrations will receive booster vaccinations to improve their immunity from this virus," he added.
Antarariksa noted that as of Saturday, seven districts or cities across the Babel Islands on Saturday have not received any additional COVID-19 patients, leaving the total number of patients undergoing quarantine at 13.
These 13 patients are distributed across five districts: Bangka (5), Central Bangka (3), South Bangka (2), West Bangka (2), and Belitung (1).
"Currently, only Pangkalpinang City and East Belitung District do not have any COVID-19 patients, while the other five districts still have patients undergoing isolation," he noted.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy stated on Monday that the COVID-19 emergency status will remain in place in Indonesia.
The government will monitor the pandemic’s development and await instructions from the World Health Organization (WHO) before making any decisions.
In May, the Indonesian government will decide whether to continue the pandemic status or change it to endemic, Effendy said.
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Translator: Aprionis, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Anton Santoso
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