Belitung, Bangka Belitung Isla (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has called for improvement in the implementation of health protocols at tourist destinations in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in several regions in Indonesia.

"We have monitored and evaluated strictly the health protocols. I have sent a circular to district heads, deputy district heads, and all ranks to stay alert," he stated in Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, on Thursday.

Uno invited the community to re-implement health protocols and stay alert against COVID-19 transmission.

"Wear a mask if you are feeling unwell. I also still wear a mask and bring masks everywhere," he remarked.

He assessed that health protocols should also be implemented in public places while emphasizing that new health behaviors developed during the COVID-19 pandemic should be maintained by people.

The minister noted that currently, the COVID-19 situation in Indonesia is still under control.

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Furthermore, he advised the community to avoid traveling abroad and to instead travel within Indonesia on account of the controlled situation in the country.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health had reported that the COVID-19 case trend in Indonesia has shown an uptick since October 8-14.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, on December 21, 2023, Indonesia recorded 453 COVID-19 cases, 569 recoveries, nine deaths, and 2,761 active cases.

On December 30, 2022, the Indonesian government announced an end to the public activity restrictions (PPKM) policy that was enforced to control COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia.

On June 21, 2023, the government officially revoked the COVID-19 pandemic status in the country.

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Translator: Kasmono, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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