By: Ridwan Muwahid )*
The pandemic period is still in effect, but unfortunately there are those who seem to have sudden amnesia and violate health protocols. They then travel and do other things as usual, and forget about the risks if they get corona. Conditions like this are very sad because they can cause the transmission of the Covid-19 virus to get even crazier.
The long holiday at the end of October was a worrying period because some people were wayward. Even though they have been reminded by the authorities, the task force team, and medical personnel, they do not want to stay at home to minimize being infected with the corona. But instead, it is fun to travel, both inside and outside the city, with the excuse of being bored when working at home.
Officers have tried to prevent the group by intercepting on the road to the tourist spot. Near the Peak, tourist groups are not allowed to advance, but must go through an inspection. Those who do not wear masks will be subject to sanctions. All who will enter must be tested rapidly. Sure enough, some of the results were reactive, so they were forced to go home to have to be self-isolated.
But unfortunately some of them were still stubborn and ran helter-skelter from the officers. Whereas the medical apparatus and team are not to be feared, but only carry out their duties to maintain public order. Especially during the pandemic, the guard was even tighter, for the sake of health and safety together.
The community continues to be reminded by the task force team to adhere to health protocols. The socialization is also carried out in many places, such as TV and social media, and is always repeated. Health protocols are always mentioned, so that many people are aware that it is still a pandemic. Because there is something really wrong that the new normal period means it is normal.
Even though the term new normal has been replaced with a new habitual adaptation phase, some people may be confused. Or it could be that they are tired of facing various health protocols and feel indifferent to the pandemic. Then take off the mask and forget to bring a hand sanitizer and are lazy to wash your hands, even though there is already a place.
What is even sadder is that some people think that corona is a disease of urban people. The covid task force team should conduct socialization again to remote villages, the goal is that they understand the dangers of corona. So that they no longer consider this disease just a myth, and they are willing to comply with health protocols.
In this socialization, it can be shown how the corona patient’s condition is through photos and videos, so that they will get a little deterrent effect. So you will be disciplined in wearing masks and washing your hands, and keeping your distance and avoiding crowds. Because they might be confused about what corona is like.
When there is a health protocol socialization, it can also be added by distributing packages containing masks and hand sanitizers so that they remember to always wear them. Usually free items will always be in demand and lure many people to join the event so they remember to bring a hand sanitizer.
In this way, both rural and urban communities will be aware of the dangers of corona and always remember to comply with health protocols. Doing it does take patience but it will take a long time to get used to it. It feels strange to leave the house without a mask. Also check the bag if you have brought a hand sanitizer.
To increase public discipline in fighting corona and adhere to health protocols does need a strategy, so they don’t feel burdened when doing so. Wearing a mask is not compulsion, but has become a habit that is formed from one’s own awareness. Hopefully more people will adhere to protocols so that the pandemic will end quickly.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Studies Institute (LSISI)