Second Vaccine Coverage to Reach 60 Percent by Year-end, Says Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The authorities will expedite the administration of the second COVID-19 vaccine doses to cover 60 percent of the 291.6 million targeted recipients by December 2021, stated Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy.

"We will expedite vaccinations to achieve 60 percent second vaccine jab coverage from the total vaccination target of 291.6 million residents," said Muhadjir Effendy at a press conference on activities restrictions enforcement (PPKM) on Monday.

Of the total targeted residents, 80.9 percent have received the first vaccine jab, while 59.1 percent have completed their second vaccine jab, he informed.

Despite the recent improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Indonesia and the declining trend in infections, residents must not become complacent and neglect the health protocols, the minister said.

"Regardless that the recent COVID-19 infection rate showed a decreasing trend, we must remain vigilant," Effendy said.

The testing, tracing, and treatment (3T) policy for COVID-19 infection handling must be continued, he added.

The government will issue new regulations on public mobility and COVID-19 prevention measures for the Christmas and New Year's Eve period, he disclosed.

"Relevant ministries and institutions will inform the public regarding new regulations enacted to regulate public movement and prevent COVID-19 infections in public spaces," Effendy said.

He also revealed that the Health, Education, and Religious Affairs ministers are planning to launch a mobile application for offline school activities that have recently been resumed in most Indonesian provinces.

"The ministries will collaborate to create a contact tracing mobile application that would be integrated into the existing PeduliLindungi application," Effendy stated.

Read: Indonesia Urges G20 to Reduce COVID-19 Vaccine Gap

ANTARA