TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The COVID-19 Handling Task Force recorded an additional 1,848 COVID-19 infections as of 12 p.m. local time on Monday, which brought the total tally to 6,394,340.

Data from the task force received in Jakarta on Monday showed that the highest addition of positive cases was recorded in five regions: Jakarta with 753 cases, West Java with 321 cases, Banten with 236 cases, East Java with 162 cases, and Central Java with 117 cases.

The addition of positive cases was also accompanied by an increase in mortality. As of Monday, the number of fatalities grew by 17, taking the overall death toll to 157,787.

However, the number of active cases declined by 1,634, taking the total count to 32,312.

The task force further informed that 6,204,241 people were declared cured of COVID-19 as of Monday, an increase of 3,465 people.

Further, 3,067 suspected cases were identified based on the examination of 63,871 specimens at laboratories across Indonesia.

Head of the Health Support Sub-Section for the COVID-19 Task Force Alexander K. Ginting said that preparations for Indonesia’s entry into the endemic phase would be carried out in stages starting in early 2023 by considering the controlled case situation until the end of 2022.

Indonesia has so far experienced a significant drop in the number of daily cases, he noted.

"Indonesia is still in a pandemic situation. People are bored (with the pandemic), but the infection is still ongoing, so the status of COVID-19 is still pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not revoked it either," Ginting informed.

In order to suppress the rate of transmission, he reminded all parties to remain alert against coughs and colds that are currently spiking.

He urged people to complete their COVID-19 vaccination without delay. Community compliance in wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands (3M) must also be improved.

"If we are able to control September's cases until the end of the year, then according to the initial plan, we will prepare for the endemic in stages in early 2023," he disclosed.

ANTARA

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