Epidemiologist: Public Transport May Not Turn Into Infection Clusters
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4 August 2020 08:40 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - University of Indonesia (UI) epidemiologist, Pandu Riono, on Monday implied there has yet been any conclusive evidence suggesting that public transportation may turn into uncontrollable COVID-19 clusters.
“I just read in an international news media reporting of initial fears that subway clusters would be evidently high, but in fact, it has not,” said Pandu on Monday, August 3.
The epidemiologist believes the lack of public transport clusters is due to the strict implementation of health protocols even though public transportation continues to move thousands of people daily amidst the pandemic.
This strict health protocol by international communities, Pandu asserts, must be understood and implemented in Indonesia, especially considering Jakarta will be reintroducing its odd-even number plate policy. The odd-even policy is feared by many to add the load on public transportation.
“The crucial element is how health protocols are implemented. Don’t let anyone without a mask enter any train,” said Pandu.
As preventive measures, the epidemiologist suggests users avoid rush hours if possible and suggests operators add the number of trains, extending operational hours, and opening each train’s ventilation to improve circulation within each train.
Read also: Epidemiologist: Indonesia Must Close Social, Economic Activities
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