Head of Batam KKP, Ahmad Hidayat, stated on Thursday that his team had reinstalled body temperature scanners at the international port in the city.
"Actually, we have tightened supervision since the onset of pneumonia cases. We have reached out to the public and are tightening our supervision at the port," he remarked.
Currently, there are no special requirements for travel from foreign countries to Indonesia. However, his team continues to conduct checks at Indonesia's entry points.
Furthermore, Hidayat reminded the public to sustain health precautions as an early preventive measure against COVID-19.
"(This is) particularly important for vulnerable groups and those who are sick in public spaces," he added.
Complete COVID-19 vaccination must also be undertaken by the people. Until now, the government is providing free COVID-19 vaccines at the community health center.
"That is the government's recommendation even though the COVID-19 pandemic has been declared lifted," he remarked.
He also suggested the people postpone non-essential travel to countries that are experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Based on data from the Health Ministry, COVID-19 cases in Indonesia in the last week have also increased.
From below 50 cases, the latest data showed that COVID-19 cases had jumped to above 200 cases last week, Hidayat pointed out.
However, the increase in Indonesia is still manageable and remains under control, he noted.
In Batam City, his side continues to coordinate with the Health Service to monitor the increase in COVID-19 cases.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin earlier urged the public to ensure double protection through vaccination and adherence to health protocols in response to the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases in Singapore.
People, who have not completed their COVID-19 vaccination, can visit their nearest health facility and ask for the vaccine, he remarked.
"The vaccine is still free until December, (and) people must take advantage of it," he revealed.
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Translator: Jessica Allifia J H, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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