The Papua provincial government immediately reviewed the standard procedures followed for handling COVID-19 among infected athletes, officials, and organizing committee amid the implementation of the 20th National Sports Week (PON) in the province.

“We will also review the situation at sports venues and restrict the entry for spectators,” Assistant for the Economic Affairs and People’s Welfare of the Provincial Secretariat of Papua Muhammad Musaad told Antara here on Thursday.

Musaad accentuated that the number of spectators allowed to enter was only 25 percent of the maximum capacity of the venue.

Furthermore, physical distancing in the arena must be followed in line with the governor’s circular.

“In addition, another important prevention measure is to wear masks,” the provincial secretariat assistant noted.

Musaad noted that in the near future, his side will conduct impromptu inspections at several competition arenas to serve as samples.

“The inspections aim to ensure that the community adheres to health protocols. Thus, we can curb virus transmission,” he remarked.

Musaad called to strengthen the handling of COVID-19 set in Governor of Papua’s circular, so the public would not ignore health protocols due to the euphoria surrounding the XX Papua PON.

Spokesperson for the Provincial COVID-19 Handling Task Force of Papua Silwanus Sumule had earlier informed that 37 positive cases were recorded in the four  Papua PON venue clusters as of October 6, 2021, at 20:30 Eastern Indonesia Standard Time.

Some 13 cases were reported in Mimika District, 12 cases in Jayapura City, eight cases in Jayapura District, and four cases in Merauke District.

Source: Antara News