"Yes, we (the government) are currently preparing steps and measures required to face the endemic period, knowing that people gradually treat the virus as harmless. Hence, we have taken measures to anticipate any likely unwanted events by providing medicines and facilities," Amin noted in a statement received in Jakarta, on Friday.
The statement was made during a press conference after the vice president attended the event titled "Strengthening the Development and Empowerment of Village Communities Towards Indonesia Free from Stunting and Extreme Poverty" in Ternate, North Maluku, on Friday.
He also invited the public to be grateful for the WHO's decision to revoke the emergency status for COVID-19 while emphasizing that all must nonetheless stay alert.
"We have to be grateful for the revocation. Moreover, Indonesia has already revoked the community activity restrictions (PPKM) since 2022. Our decision was made since the number of cases had sloped. However, of course, we remained alert," he pointed out.
Nevertheless, he reiterated that the virus had not vanished completely.
"We should remain alert. The WHO has only declared that it is no longer threatening. However, it has not disappeared," he noted.
Furthermore, he also lauded people, who have committed to staying vigilant despite the government having revoked the PPKM long before the WHO's decision to revoke the emergency status for COVID-19.
One example of the commitment is by persistently wearing masks during daily activities, he added.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Sri Haryati
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