VP Ma'ruf Amin Calls for PTM Evaluation as Omicron Gallops

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has called for immediate evaluation of face-to-face learning activities at schools following fresh projections that the Omicron spread would possibly peak in February to March this year.

“Up to January 18, 2022, there have been 41 schools from elementary to senior high schools in Jakarta whose students tested positive for COVID-19. What is the possible continuation of the face-to-face learning activities (PTM)? Because the spread is rapid and it is predicted that it will peak in February to the onset of March,” the Vice President said when presiding over an evaluation meeting of the public mobility restrictions (PPKM) on Monday, January 24, 2022.

Ma’ruf also touched on the spread of Omicron in the past few days that reached over a thousand cases and its death toll.

He said all ministries must anticipate and prevent Omicron from spreading further to avoid more victims. He added the nation should keep its eyes open for the galloping spread of Omicron despite its less deadly nature compared to the Delta variant.

“If the figures keep rising, the potential infections to people, particularly to those with comorbid diseases, will put pressure on healthcare workers. Thus, we have to prepare for these possibilities,” Ma’ruf said.

He also ordered his officials to step up testing for society to avert local transmission and accelerate vaccinations for the elderly, adults and children.

“Fourth, I also called for attention to issues related to vaccination acceleration. Booster vaccinations have already kicked off,” Ma’ruf Amin said.

Read: COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Aged 6-11 Not PTM Requirement: Task Force 

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA