Indonesia to Adjust to WHO's Decision on COVID-19, Says Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government will adjust to the World Health Organization's (WHO's) decision on ending the COVID-19 emergency status, stated Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy.

"The Indonesian government will immediately follow up and adjust to that WHO's decision regarding COVID-19," the minister said on Saturday.

The global organization's decision is great news, he affirmed.

"It is a great news. Indonesian government has long awaited for it. It is only a matter of adjusting the policies," he remarked.

Following the announcement from WHO, the COVID-19 treatment procedures in Indonesia will be adjusted to the method of handling of common infectious diseases, Effendy remarked.

However, despite the revocation of global emergency status, people will still need to exercise caution, as the virus can still spread, the minister remarked.

"People still need to be careful. No harm done in always protecting yourself, at the very least by using mask in certain places and certain times," he emphasized.

On Friday, May 5, the WHO announced that COVID-19 is no longer a global emergency.

The announcement was made by WHO's Director General, Thedros Ghebreyesus, following advice from the organization's Emergency Committees.

"I have accepted that advice. It is, therefore, with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency. However, that does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global health threat," he stated.

He noted that the virus will still exist, mutate, and kill people.

Ghebreyesus reminded that new variants can impose risk of additional cases and deaths.

ANTARA

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