Indonesia Turns to Public Figures to Raise Awareness of Coronavirus Health Protocols

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The National Covid-19 Task Force has called on Indonesia’s public figures to set an example on the proper and right practice of health protocols.

The call from the Task Force’s Communications Team Member, Reisa Broto Asmoro, comes at a time when a growing number of provinces are entering the new normal transition phase.

Indonesia is at the losing end of the coronavirus pandemic as the country continues to report daily new infections in the thousands.

Read also: Indonesian President Warns Against Complacency in Fight against Covid-19

Reisa Broto Asmoro hopes that Indonesia’s public figures from politicians to religious leaders will invite the public to follow proper Covid-19-related health protocols.

“We are inviting all public figures including regional heads, public officials, politicians, religious leaders, and influencers to become an example by inviting the public to implement health protocols correctly and properly,” said Reisa.

Reisa also sheds light on research findings that proves wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and regularly washing hands can prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Read also: Indonesian Public Still Flout Health Protocols

According to Reisa, the one health protocol that can slow down the spread of the Covid-19 virus in Indonesia is wearing a mask.

“The health protocols are rather easy to practice if we are not doing it alone,” said Reisa.

The latest on Indonesia’s coronavirus battle

Spokesperson of the National Covid-19 Task Force Achmad Yurianto announced that the daily infections grew by 1,240 cases on June 26.

Nationwide, Indonesia has 51,427 confirmed coronavirus cases.

For two consecutive weeks, the East Java Province has reported Indonesia’s highest daily rise in coronavirus cases.

Indonesian President Jokowi made a working visit to East Java on June 25.

Read also: President Jokowi Visits Covid-19 High-Risk Areas in East Java

Since East Java falls under the red zone category, Jokowi’s entourage took precautionary measures. These include medical checks, rapid tests, and limiting the number of staff accompanying the President.

During the visit to East Java Covid-19 Task Force Center, Jokowi asked relevant officials to mitigate the spread of infection through cooperation and cohesion.

Read also: What's Fuelling the Rise in Indonesia's Covid-19 Cases?

Jokowi was informed that around 70 percent of East Java residents refuse to wear masks in public despite being one of the worst-hit regions in the country.

The Indonesian President also called on religious and community leaders to amp up public awareness of health protocols in East Java. 

(Writer: Sania Mashabi | Editor: Kristian Erdianto) 

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/06/26/17123471/gugus-tugas-ajak-tokoh-masyarakat-jadi-teladan-penerapan-protokol-kesehatan