Vice President Ma’ruf Amin stressed that national economic recovery cannot occur if the COVID-19 transmission rate in Indonesia remains high or above five percent per 100 thousand population according to the WHO standard.
“Economic recovery is impossible to achieve if the (COVID-19) transmission rate is still high, or still above five percent per 100 thousand population according to the standard set by the WHO,” Amin stated during an online seminar monitored here, Wednesday.
Scientifically and based on observations, the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination and health protocols had been proven effective in curbing virus transmission, he remarked.
Achieving the targeted vaccination coverage to achieve herd immunity is also deemed necessary, so people can conduct their activities again.
“Achieving the targeted vaccination coverage is needed in order to attain herd immunity, so that people can return to their activities with a lower risk of contracting COVID-19,” he expounded.
The vice president noted that Indonesia targets to vaccinate 208.5 million people to achieve herd immunity. Hence, all parties need to step up efforts in order to expedite vaccinations in regions, so that the country can achieve herd immunity soon.
“That is not a small figure. For this reason, extraordinary and massive efforts are needed to achieve the vaccination target within the period that has been set, which is one year,” he emphasized.
Hence, in order for the country to achieve community immunity, President Joko Widodo has instructed the National Defense Forces (TNI) commander and the National Police chief to synergize in accelerating the national vaccination program.
“The president has instructed the TNI commander and the National Police chief to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and regional governments to accelerate national vaccination coverage,” Vice President Amin remarked.
The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Indonesia in March 2020. According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of October 5, 2021, at least 4,221,610 people have tested positive for COVID-19, while 4,049,449 people have recovered, and 142,338 people have succumbed to the deadly virus.
Source: Antara News