Indonesian Public Still Flout Health Protocols

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The relaxation of measures during the New Normal in Indonesia has been called into question after the government noted a recent surge in cases.

“The increase in Covid-19 cases on a daily basis shows that the level of public compliance to health protocols is still low,” said Covid-19 Task Force spokesman Achmad Yurianto on Monday, June 23.

Instilling awareness

“They should raise awareness [of health protocols] among themselves and others for the rules to work. The protocols are there for prevention and breaking the chain of infection.”

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Achmad particularly focused on the public’s tendency to converge and bunch in groups. “One protocol that the public frequently overlooks is social distancing. Social distancing is vital to break the chain of Covid-19 infection,” added Achmad.

"Other than social distancing, we also need to wash our hands before we go out and wear masks at all times.”

Applying more stringent measures

istimewa Surabaya Public Agency personnel crack down on health protocol violators

The many instances of the public flouting health protocols forced Indonesia's second-largest city to impose tighter measures.

In Surabaya, East Java, Mayor Tri Rismaharini’s New Normal guidelines authorize police and military joint operations, as well as raids to nab people skipping health protocols.