TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo argued that the public was still unable to maintain the discipline to comply with the health protocols, which was evident from the lack of face masks usage among the community.

“In the last meeting, we have talked about the public discipline which is the key to control Covid-19 transmission, but I see that the campaign of using face masks has not been realized yet after that meeting,” said the President in a limited meeting at the State Palace on Monday, August 24.

He said the 'wear face mask' campaign must be established seriously as it is vital in the Covid-19 mitigation before the vaccine is available. The procurement and distribution of the protective equipment must be expedited as well.

“I think the key [to combat coronavirus] before the vaccine is available to be injected to the public is wearing face masks,” he underlined.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian was then urged to remind the regional task forces, governors, regents, and mayors to enforce the effort seriously and work hard. The strategy to balance the gas and brake pedal in mitigating the Covid-19 and the economy must be carried out in the right dose.

Moreover, there was a high increase in positive cases abroad, particularly in Europe and Asia.

“The case development in other countries needs to be concerned as well so that we do not lose control of the existing virus mitigation, both in regions and in the center,” Jokowi said.

Read: No Reshuffle, Cabinet Focus on COVID-19 Handling: Jokowi's Spokesman

EGI ADYATAMA