Secretary of the Sports Ministry Gatot S. Dewa Broto believed that everyone would follow health protocols during the XX Papua National Sports Week if related information was disseminated massively.
“As long as we disseminate information on the guidelines, we convey it well. We have a positive appeal, and the public will follow it,” Broto noted during a virtual discussion on preparations for the National Sports Week, as seen in Jakarta on Thursday.
The government had earlier decided on an audience cap of 25 percent of the capacity for the Papua National Sports Week for athletes, officials, and spectators.
Broto was confident of the best possible application of health protocols during the event to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The experience of organizing the Sports Ministry Cup, IBL, and Liga 1 Indonesia would be a valuable asset during the National Sports Week later.
“When Liga 1 was being held, the people were a bit pessimistic whether the fans would not come, which were sometimes difficult to control. The fact was when they were asked not to come to the stadium, they could do it,” Broto revealed.
He drew attention to the strict imposition of health protocols during the 2021 Sports Ministry Cup. He did not sense any signs of spectators or supporters, who would potentially cause crowding or congregation while passing by the Maguwoharjo Stadium in Sleman.
This condition was attributed to the management that continuously expedited and disseminated information on health protocols.
On the other hand, his administration, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the COVID-19 Task Force, are currently stipulating the 25-percent capacity for spectators. Strict security will be imposed when spectators will enter the main stadium area during the opening ceremony.
“Hence, at the opening (of the National Sports Week), there will be a procedure to enter the stadium, such as being given a bracelet to indicate whether they are fit or not to enter and then (the requirement of) proof of vaccination. We expect that a PeduliLindungi application will be used, so there is evidence (of vaccination) and (for people to) maintain their distance,” he stated.
Head of the Behavior Change Division of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Sonny Harry B. Harmadi remarked that the National Sports Week will employ a bubble system as a preventive effort.
“Hence, through this bubble system, all participants, comprising athletes, team officials, and committees, are not allowed to conduct activities outside the predetermined activity plan,” he noted.
Harmadi noted that the application of a bubble system ensured that all parties involved in the National Sports Week would be safe. All movements using special transportation and the team’s destination were ensured to be free from COVID-19 and under control.
“Hence, the hope is that with the bubble system, we can mitigate and reduce the risks of transmission because after all, this is in the midst of the pandemic,” he stated.
Source: Antara News