People at Markets Lack Understanding of Health Protocols, Says Study

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - According to a recent survey by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the USAID found that only a small number of people at markets are complying with health protocols, especially calls for physical distancing. 

The poll was held across Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Greater Jakarta area).

“Traders and consumers were interviewed about the awareness of people at traditional markets, who are considered as one of the groups susceptible to COVID-19 infections,” said PMI secretary Sudirman Said in a press release on Thursday, September 24. 

According to the survey, 85 percent of respondents did not understand how to prevent COVID-19 infections, 80 percent of market visitors and traders continued to use physical money as a means of payment, and 69 percent complained that there was not enough space at markets to implement safe physical distancing. 

The survey found that market management needed to make use of communication tools that could be used to better promote physical distancing, the use of face masks, self-hygiene, and other health protocols, as 69 percent of respondents said that it would be key to improving people’s awareness on preventing the spread of coronavirus. 

“Markets hold  a key role in guaranteeing food supply amid the pandemic,” said Team Leader a.i FAO ECTAD Luuk Schoonman. 

Read: Task Force: Don't Rely on COVID-19 Vaccine, Health Protocols Are Key

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