Jakarta (ANTARA) – Maarif Institute researcher Endang Tirtana reminded Indonesians to not become complacent in implementing health protocols amid the relaxation in public movement, so as to avert a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

In a statement received here on Friday, Tirtana pressed for Indonesia to take a cue from the surge in cases in the United States, as it had relaxed public movement widely after COVID-19 vaccinations went underway.

In the US, the number of COVID-19 cases began soaring, and hospitals started running out of oxygen. On Friday, August 27, 2021, the country recorded a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, reaching 191,165.

“The vaccination target in Indonesia continues to be accelerated. However, the public still has to implement strict health protocols, as vaccines do not protect the body from potential COVID-19 infections,” according to Tirtana.

The researcher noted that Indonesia’s neighboring countries — Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei Darussalam — had recorded a significant spike in cases. A similar surge in the number of cases was also recorded in early July 2021.

Hence, he is optimistic that the government would not immediately relax community mobility despite a decline in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Indonesia. Health protocols must still be enforced since several neighboring countries were experiencing a surge in infections.

In the meantime, Tirtana noted that the vaccination rates in Jakarta surpassed those of other areas. This discrepancy should be addressed immediately, so that the number of cases do not spike again amid a decline in the transmission of the virus.

“Restrictions may not stop transmission, but they are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Economic recovery will not be optimal if there is a spike in the number of cases,” he stated.

The fluctuating cycle of COVID-19 cases will have an impact on the economy and psychology of the community. The researcher noted that handling a pandemic is not like an attempt to extinguish a blazing fire but rather an attempt to not start a fire at all.

“The government, along with other stakeholders, must be able to educate about health protocols. Not making it a strict rule, instead making social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands as a culture to protect citizens and families,” he affirmed.

Hence, the researcher emphasized that local governments should also immediately maximize the implementation of vaccinations to achieve herd immunity, as vaccination is part of the efforts to protect people infected with COVID-19 from the risk of death.

“Active vaccination should be conducted. These efforts must be immediately pursued, as vaccination aims to free Indonesia from the pandemic immediately,” the researcher stressed.

Source: ANTARA News