Indonesian citizens are urged to remain vigilant of the threat of a COVID-19 third wave, especially during Christmas 2021 and New Year 2022, the Health Ministry’s official noted in a written statement received here, Monday.

“Currently, Indonesia is entering a phase wherein the number of cases of COVID-19 are not increasing,” the Ministry’s Communication and Public Service Bureau Head, Widyawati, noted.

However, the people’s mobility should be reduced to as much extent as possible in order to prevent a spike in cases, especially since most cases of COVID-19-related deaths in Indonesia occurred in July, she highlighted.

Some 32,061 deaths were recorded from July 1 to July 29, which is four folds higher than the total death count of 7,913 in June 2021, she pointed out.

“Never forget what occurred in July during which we saw the maximum number of deaths due to COVID-19. Obey the health protocols. Do not let your guard down,” Widyawati emphasized.

In a bid to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 from surfacing, the government has implemented Public Activity Restriction (PPKM) Level 3 from December 24, 2021, to January 2, 2022, she noted.

Widyawati cautioned that the people should not allow momentary freedom during the Christmas and New Year to be causal to a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, as it would not only affect the people’s health but also cause economic stagnation.

“There are still people, who were exposed to COVID-19, though the figure is small. Hence, continue to implement 3M (wearing mask, washing hand, and maintain distance), avoid crowds, and restrict mobility,” Widyawati affirmed.

The government is also expediting vaccination to bolster herd immunity. Citizens are encouraged to not be picky when it comes to the vaccine types, as all vaccines provided by the government are the best.

Citizens’ efforts are also crucial to avoid the surfacing of the COVID-19 third wave in Indonesia.

“If the people care and continue to follow the health protocols, then COVID-19 could be prevented and the third wave would not occur,” she noted.

Source: Antara News