International Travel Could Spark New Covid-19 Wave: Sandiaga Uno

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, revealed in a press conference on Tuesday that there are roughly 3,000 people who travel overseas on a daily basis. This was stated after his meeting with President Joko Widodo on Monday,

“This is worrying as it potentially increases the chance to let in the new variant and may spark another Covid-19 case spike,” said the Minister in a press conference on Tuesday, December 14, Bisnis.com reported. 

The meting decided that the people were urged not to take overseas vacations during Christmas and New Year. Sandiaga Uno stressed that it was an order from the President himself, not a reminder. 

Jokowi, according to Sandiaga, also said that any overseas travels must be based on clear reasons and not for leisure activities. The government is currently evaluating the public activity restriction policy (PPKM) that will be adjusted to the year-end holidays amid the emergence of the Covid-19 omicron variant in a number of countries.

“Instead, people are called to travel domestically. This clearly promotes the rise of our own economy,” he said. Quarantine protocols have been bolted back to 10-days for international travelers. 

In the limited meeting at the State Palace, the President has also instructed Police and Military personnel to oversee the enforcement of national Covid-19 health protocols across tourist destinations. 

Read: Yogyakarta Raises 2022 Target for Tourist Visits as COVID-19 Slows Down

BISNIS