Indonesia urges health protocol adherence as pandemic rages

By New Straits Times - February 26, 2021 @ 10:25am

THE enforcement of micro-scale social restrictions (PPKM) is vital to the successful handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

Antara news agency quoted Indonesian Human Development and Culture Coordinating Minister, Muhadjir Effendy, on the matter.

PPKM's success will mainly hinge on health protocol adherence, particularly the observance of 3Ms (wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining physical distancing) and effective 3T (tracing, testing and treatment) operations.

"The key is micro level (restrictions), the smallest level.

"If it (micro-scale social restriction) is enforced across Indonesia, I believe we will be able to conquer Covid-19," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 25).

He said both the 3Ms and 3Ts must be executed together where if either one is stalled, it would affect efforts to conquer the virus.

Mutual help between regional governments and local communities is also needed, he added.

Effendy stressed that there should no longer be stigma attached to Covid-19, which will merely worsen the condition of patients.

Covid-19 patients should be supported spiritually and materially so that they can recover and be free of the deadly virus.