Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has stressed the importance of a prudent response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia, particularly during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period.

While urging residents not to get alarmed over the infection surge, he reminded them to complete their COVID-19 vaccination up to the second booster dose as a precaution.

"At present, there is a slight uptick in COVID-19 spread, but we should not overreact. Therefore, I wish to remind (residents) about the importance of vaccination, from the first to second doses until the first and second booster doses," he said in a video broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat and accessed from here on Wednesday.

Residents must strive to complete their COVID-19 vaccine doses according to government directives, he added.

"Do not be complacent by not completing the vaccine dose the government has recommended," the President emphasized.

He also urged residents to continue adhering to the health protocols, specifically, use masks if they feel unwell or meet vulnerable individuals.

"I ask residents suffering from flu or fever to use masks, as well as those with comorbidity, wear a mask, and also when meeting the elderly, use the mask," he said.

He also asked Indonesians to maintain personal hygiene, including washing their hands after finishing their activities.

Earlier, the President had urged homecoming travelers to take the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to their hometowns during the Eid exodus period to avoid infecting others.

"The most important is one, vaccination. Booster (vaccines) are also important, and I expect those who are yet to receive (the booster vaccine) to get it," he stated in Depok, West Java, on April 13, 2023.

COVID-19 vaccines and booster vaccines will be essential for maintaining immunity against the disease amid high public mobility during the Eid exodus period, he added.

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Translator: Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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