Indonesian Health Minister Unveils Health Protocols For Public Spaces

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian Ministry of Health has announced a more encompassing set of health protocols for public spaces as the country continues to reopen during the New Normal phase.

The rules come as Indonesia’s Covid-19 tally stand at 43,803 cases following the confirmation of another 1,041 infections on Friday, June 19.

More encompassing regulations

Indonesian Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto said that the rules will apply to malls, traditional markets and other shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and other lodgings, as well as gyms and other sports centers.

“Likewise, transportation hubs, tourist sites, places of worship, and public events are covered by the protocols.”

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“Health protocols in public places must prioritize their visitors’ health. They include wearing of masks, washing one’s hands with water and soap, social distancing, and improving one’s immunity through healthy habits,” he said.

“The risk from people going to and fro, or converging in public raised the possibility of Covid-19 transmission. The public should adapt to these new realities so as to be more productive and avoid Covid-19 infection.”

He added that the public should also take a number of considerations, including being aware of areas considered vulnerable to Covid-19 transmission.

“They take into account the type of place or activity, the number of people in the place, and whether the place is indoors or outdoors.”

“The vulnerable members of society should also be taken into account, among them pregnant women, children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses and the disabled,” Terawan added. “The protocols will also include authorities enforcing them.”

A collective effort

DOKUMENTASI BNPB Indonesian Government Covid-19 spokesman Achmad Yurianto during a daily press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic

Government Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperon Achmad Yurianto urged the public to view health protocols as a necessary step in breaking the infection.

“Health protocols should not merely be seen solely as a government effort to control the spread of Covid-19,” Achmad said. “Individuals should also view them the same way, and in doing so be more disciplined in complying with health protocols.”

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