Complying with Health Protocols in Indonesia: No Easy Task

He was very concerned that the implementation of new normal would cause crowded public space in malls, office buildings, and places of worship.

Also read: WHO Releases Indonesia Coronavirus Report

According to Head of Expert Team of the COVID-19 National Task Force Wiku Adisasmito, one of the aspects that indicates a province is ready to implement the social and economic activity in new normal is that the health surveillance functions well.

This happens when the number of the COVID-19 testing capacity increases followed by the reduction of the number of confirmed cases.

“When the number of tests increases, the number of infected people should decrease below five percent,” said Wiku.

Another important aspect includes good health care services. This covers the availability of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients, personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, and ventilators.

The readiness to implement new normal is when the number of confirmed cases declined to 50 percent in two consecutive weeks, he added.

Also read: Indonesia Coronavirus Cases Break Three Records in One Week

With a different situation in each region, people are debating whether or not Indonesia is ready to enter a new normal.

An Epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia Pandu Riono stressed the need for strict intervention in the regulations at all sectors during new normal. This should also cover restrictions imposed in public facilities.

“Therefore, there is a need for self-awareness to obey the rules issued by the relevant authorities,” Pandu said.

Perhaps, the least what the Indonesians can do now is to be more disciplined in complying with health protocols during the new normal as life has to move forward.

Source: Kompas.com