Govt Allows Transport Operators to Provide COVID-19 Rapid Tests
Translator
Editor
29 June 2020 20:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry announced transportation operators could team up with medical institutions to provide COVID-19 rapid tests or PCR swab tests for passengers. However, this service must be coordinated first with the COVID-19 task force.
“This aims at maintaining the quality of the examinations and results of PCR and rapid tests, as well as facilitating people to have a trip using mass transportation,” said a spokesperson of the ministry, Adita Irawati, in a statement on Monday, June 29.
The operators are mandated to communicate with the task force as noted in the Transportation Ministry's Circular released on June 29, which was an agreement between the ministry and the task force.
The task force earlier passed the Circular No. 9/2020 concerning the movement of transport passengers during the pandemic. The letter stipulated the government extended the validity period of swab or PCR test results from seven days to two weeks, and rapid tests from three days to two weeks.
Adita mentioned the ministry was committed to boosting public trust in using mass transportation. “During the adaptation period to the new normal era, we want customers to be still able to have a trip while also being safe from the COVID-19 transmission at the same time,” she remarked.
Several airlines previously voiced their interests in providing rapid test facilities for would-be passengers, including flag carrier Garuda Indonesia. Budget airline Sriwijaya Air, meanwhile, has offered the service since early June in five areas.
Read: Garuda Indonesia Calls for More Affordable PCR Tests
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA