COVID-19 Task Force Scraps Antigen Test Requirement for Vaccinated Children

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s COVID-19 Task Force has officially terminated the antigen test as a travel requirement for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. This rule applies to those who have completed the primary vaccination course.

“But it is mandatory to attach a second dose vaccination certificate,” as read in the latest COVID-19 Task Force’s Regulation issued today, April 19, 2022.

This rule also applies to children and adolescents who travel by air, sea, and land transportation, both by private and public transportation.

This is stated in the Addendum to the COVID-19 Task Force’s Circular (SE) No. 16 of 2022 concerning domestic travel during the COVID-19 pandemic which takes effect immediately.

“Until the time specified later, it will be evaluated further as needed,” it added.

The new policy also changed the old provisions in SE 16 that children and adolescents aged 6-17 were treated the same as adults who were mandated to show a negative result of rapid antigen or PCR test if they have not received a vaccine booster.

Additionally, the previous regulation also noted that only children aged below 6 were not required to present a negative result of rapid antigen or PCR tests. They are also exempt from vaccination provisions.

However, children under the age of 6 years must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated companion who has passed the COVID-19 examination. This rule remains applicable today.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO