TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) encouraged people to be aware of the rising COVID-19 trend with over 1,000 daily infections since the last week. On Monday, June 20, 2022, the country recorded 1,180 new cases which were highly contributed by Jakarta with 701 cases.

Erlina Burhan from IDI's Infectious Disease Control Department reminded all to exercise a clean and healthy lifedata-style as the basis of daily life.

“It is again recommended to wear masks in open spaces,” said Erlina in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, June 21, 2022. She added, “Previously, there was a relaxed policy allowing people to take off masks in open spaces. With the increase in positive cases, we should back [to require it].”

She underlined that the pandemic is far from over. The virus continued to mutate with Omicron BA.2 which still dominates. There is also a surge in global COVID-19 cases, especially due to new Omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5.

According to Erlina, IDI also recommended the PCR policy for travelers as the test price is getting cheaper and urged policymakers to make various efforts to increase booster vaccination coverage.

As of June 20, 2022, the first-dose vaccination coverage was reported at 96.44 percent, second-dose at 80.73 percent, and third-dose at 23.28 percent.

Erlina, who is a Professor of Pulmonology from the University of Indonesia’s Medical Faculty (FKUI), further asked the authorities to increase COVID-19 testing and tracing again besides educating the public about efforts against COVID-19.

MARIA FRANSISCA LAHUR

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