Papua Needs Extraordinary COVID Effort Ahead of PON: Police Chief

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The handling of COVID-19 in Papua will require extraordinary effort to maintain the sloping rate of positive cases and anticipate any spike during the 2020 National Sports Week (PON), Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has said.

Prabowo made the statement during a meeting on Saturday with military commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and the Mimika District Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) on the preparation for the 2020 Papua PON.

"The sloping rate of positive cases after the spike on August 8, 2021 has to be maintained with extraordinary attempts. Do not let the increase happen when the 2020 Papua PON is being held," he urged, according to a press statement received here on Saturday.

Such extraordinary effort will involve implementing strict health protocols for athletes, coaches, officers, invited guests, and the committee, he said.

The protocols must be followed when participants depart, arrive, during their stay, and during competitions, he stressed. In addition, participants must take a COVID-19 test two days before leaving for Papua, he added.

"Reduce physical contact with other people for 14 days before departure. Prepare a list of names of people who are in close contact to be validated by 2020 Papua PON Committee. Implement disciplined health protocols according to the recommendations of the Health Ministry, comprising changing the medical or double-layered cloth masks every day," Prabowo instructed.

Furthermore, he urged the Forkopimda to actively ensure the 3Ms -- wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance – are implemented and all participants submit their COVID-19 test results.

When the participants settle down to take part in the national event, the regional coordination forum must carry out extra strict supervision by limiting their activities, in accordance with their tasks and roles, Prabowo said.

It is also mandatory for participants to report their health conditions through the committee’s health reporting application or the doctor in their respective contingent, he added.

"If necessary, COVID-19 tests will be carried out regularly during the event. If the participants’ test results are positive, they have to do self-isolation or be referred to a hospital. Tracing program will also be conducted for people who are in close contact with the patients," he informed.

In addition, he urged the Forkopimda to strengthen the 3Ts program -- tracking, testing, and handling -- and accelerate the mass vaccination program.

He also asked local military and police personnel to assist the governments to speed up the vaccination program to create regional herd immunity.

The government will prepare vaccination sites at schools for students and parents as well as at places of worship for the public, Prabowo informed. Meanwhile, door-to-door vaccinations are planned for reaching village communities, he said.

Another effort is to educate the public to go to COVID-19 isolation centers, he added. It will be better for patients with certain symptoms as they will be supported by adequate facilities and fully supervised by health workers, Prabowo explained.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the national event can also revive the local community's economy. Hence, the public health sector has to be strengthened amid the pandemic, he added.

Read: MPR Deputy Speaker Reiterates Support for Papua PON XX

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