TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Volunteers participating in COVID-19 handling efforts in the country are focusing on three areas, including providing assistance to medical workers, Head of volunteer coordination for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Andre Rahadian, has said.

"Firstly, we are providing assistance to medical workers," he said at an online discussion originating from Jakarta on Saturday.

The second focus is to recruit and place volunteers, both medical and non-medical personnel, to various areas that require assistance, he informed.

Finally, the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Volunteers are coordinating with areas in relation to behavior change and health management.

“We are supporting the program by inviting as many volunteers as possible. Both that are registered with the Task Force, as well as with other organizations," Rahadian said.

The government cannot work alone to deal with and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Therefore, in the last five months, the COVID-19 task force has been collaborating with other organizations, including the scouts, KNPI, PBNU, and Muhammadiyah for enlisting volunteers, he added.

The work carried out by volunteers ranges from distributing personal protective equipment, which include masks, hand sanitizers, hazmat suits; disinfectant spraying efforts; and, distributing basic necessities.

"Up until now, we are still operating. One of the activities is the campaign for and socialization of the use of masks among the public," Rahadian said.

He said the hand-washing campaign, maintaining physical distancing, and encouraging use of masks are still part of the COVID-19 Handling Volunteer Task Force’s current program.

He then invited everyone in the country to comply with the health protocols, especially wearing masks, maintaining safe distancing, and washing hands with soap and running water.

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ANTARA