By: Kindi Al-Fath)*
The government continues to strive to control Covid-19 while maintaining the welfare of the people through the provision of social assistance. These various steps are a form of state attention to the people so that they can continue to be optimistic in passing the Covid-19 pandemic.
Are you tired of dealing with this pandemic? It has been more than a year that we have been given a fairly severe ordeal, and the pockets of many people have become thin, both upper class and lower class. People’s purchasing power has also decreased and has somewhat affected national and global trade.
If this situation is not controlled, there will be economic chaos that will lead to a recession, even a crisis (as in 1998). We certainly don’t want things to get worse. The government is trying very hard to help its people, so that they are safe from the corona virus and at the same time their economy is healthy again. Don’t let the pandemic drive many people crazy because of lack of material.
The first step in controlling the pandemic is to establish health protocol policies (prokes), and continue to be refined, for the safety and health of the public. Starting from the 3M, 5M, and now 10M prokes, it must be obeyed and not even 1 point violated.
The most important process is to wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands. Everyone has memorized it and does it every day. Coupled with other points, namely reducing mobility and avoiding crowds. The public is also expected to always change clothes after traveling, maintain a clean environment, and live a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to the 10M program, the public is also required to take part in the national vaccination, especially since the injection is free and has been halal by MUI, and has passed the BPOM test. There is no reason not to be vaccinated, for people over the age of 12. Vaccines are mandatory and maybe next year to enter the public space, you have to show a digital version of the vaccine card, via the Peduli Protect application.
Vaccination is very important because we are pursuing the target of establishing communal immunity by 2022, so that the pandemic can be ended and life can go on normally, without fear of contracting the corona. Therefore, immediately vaccinate and don’t be picky about brands, because all are equally good for fighting corona.
The government also established the PPKM policy since mid-2021 and extended it continuously until mid-October, because it wanted to reduce the number of corona patients. PPKM has succeeded in controlling the pandemic and the evidence is that the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased by 90%, and the capacity of mattresses in hospitals has also drastically decreased. This success occurred because PPKM suppressed mobility so that corona transmission was also suppressed.
The community also understands why PPKM continues to be extended, because this program is made for their safety. I fear that if it is not extended, there will be euphoria and many are naughty, and are desperate to travel abroad. There are also people who choose to vacation in the city, even though it can cause a crowd. As a result, Covid cases can rise again and a third wave of attacks occurs. This situation can certainly be prevented with PPKM.
The last step to control the pandemic is the provision of social assistance. Even though it’s been more than a year since the pandemic, the social assistance is still being given. Only this time in the form of cash, not groceries, so that distribution is faster. The distribution is also directly to the beneficiary’s account, to minimize the risk of extortion from rogue elements.
The government is doing everything it can to contain the pandemic. These include the determination of the 10M health protocol, the implementation of PPKM levels, the obligation of the corona vaccine, and the provision of cash social assistance. All this is done for the sake of the people, so that his body is healthy and his wallet is also thick.
)* The author is a contributor to the Nusa Bangsa Institute