TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced on Tuesday, May 17, that people are allowed to take off their masks in open places with no crowds. The policy is taken in consideration that the current condition of the COVID-19 pandemic is much more under control.

However, people are still required to wear face masks during closed room activities and public transport rides.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the reason for easing the mask mandate in open spaces is part of the transition program from pandemic to endemic.

“In all pandemic situations that have occurred in history, transitions [into endemic] happen when people realize how to implement health protocols,” said Budi at a press conference on Tuesday.

According to him, the removal of the face mask mandate is a form of education to the community. “That the community has a bigger role to protect themselves. The responsibility to maintain health is the duty of each person,” he emphasized.

Budi further mentioned that other relaxed COVID-19 rules would be prepared if COVID-19 is getting more controlled and public awareness is rising. “[It is] in order to make life back to normal, although this virus will likely exist among us for another 5-15 years like other viruses,” he concluded.

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FAJAR PEBRIANTO | JULNIS