In accordance with the circular or regulation, we still require (people) to wear masks on trains, especially on long-distance trains. 
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of public relations for Jakarta Operational Area (Daop) 1 at state-owned railway company PT KAI Eva Chairunisa has appealed to Eid exodus travelers to comply with the health protocols to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

She made the appeal in view of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of a new variant called Arcturus in several countries and regions.

"Thus, regarding health protocols, until now, we are still making efforts for it (the implementation) in train trips and (to ensure) all service users are in a healthy condition and avoid illness," she said at Pasar Senen Station here on Wednesday.

Regarding the mask-wearing policy, she informed that KAI will continue to refer to the regulation issued by the government regarding the mask-wearing policy for public spaces and transportation.

"In accordance with the circular or regulation, we still require (people) to wear masks on trains, especially on long-distance trains. Masks can be taken off when eating and drinking," she said.

She also highlighted the vaccine requirement for train passengers. According to her, the requirement cannot be replaced with the results of COVID-19 tests, such as antigen and PCR swab tests.

For people who plan to join the exodus but have not been vaccinated with the primary doses and the booster doses, Pasar Senen and Gambir train stations are offering free vaccination services that are open every day, she said.

"We will adjust this vaccine requirement if at any time there is a written change again through a circular," she added.

She affirmed that her side will continue to support the government's policies to reduce the spread of diseases, including COVID-19.

Earlier, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin assured that the number of COVID-19 cases ahead of 2023 Eid al-Fitr is still under control even though seven Arcturus cases have been detected in Indonesia so far.

"Arcturus entered (Indonesia) about three weeks ago and is now spreading, and (the number of cases) will (probably) increase," the minister said in Jakarta on Tuesday (April 18, 2023).

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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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