TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist from Australia's Griffith University, supported the government's decision to cancel the level 3 public mobility restrictions or PPKM Level 3 policy during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“I appreciate this change. But it must be balanced with a strong communication and literacy strategy that this is not a neglect [to the COVID-19 pandemic] or [the curve] has flattened,” said Dicky on Tuesday, December 7.

According to him, the government must convey to the public that this policy does not mean the pandemic is no longer a threat so that they could ignore the predetermined health protocols.

Dicky claimed that since the beginning, he did not agree with the government's decision to apply PPKM Level 3 in all regions. He argued that the leveling system applied by the government should refer to the indicators for the pandemic handling in each region. “But that doesn't mean there shouldn't be any restriction,” he underlined.

Dicky suggested the local governments keep tightening the COVID-19 rules ahead of the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays by prohibiting gatherings or events that potentially attract crowds. The government, he added, must create balanced policies and motivate all regions that have been struggling to contain this lingering pandemic.

Read: Epidemiologist Approves PPKM Level 3 Cancellation on Christmas Holidays

IMAM HAMDI