By: Abdul Karim )*
The public is advised to remain vigilant by always adhering to health protocols and vaccinating as Covid-19 cases increase. With the public’s concern, the explosion of Covid-19 cases can be avoided and the economic recovery can continue.
People are happy because 2 months ago Corona cases dropped dramatically, but now they are expected to return to being vigilant because there is an increase in the number of Covid-19 patients in Indonesia. As of July 1, 2022, there are 2,049 people who have contracted the corona virus. This number is certainly worrying because health workers are afraid there will be a fourth wave of corona attacks, and the increase in cases should not get out of control.
It is normal for an increase in corona cases after a long holiday, but what is emphasized is that people must be vigilant and still obey health protocols, so they don’t become the next victim.
Spokesperson for the Covid-19 Task Force Team, Professor Wiku Adisasmito, reminded the public to continue wearing masks. According to him, one of the causes of the increase in Corona cases in Indonesia is that people are neglectful and undisciplined in implementing health protocols, because they are complacent with safe conditions.
Professor Wiku added that health protocols were the key to controlling corona cases. Reflecting on last year’s incident, after the long holiday there has always been an increase in the number of Covid-19 patients in Indonesia. Therefore, people still have to obey health protocols. In a sense, health protocols must be enforced to keep Covid-19 cases under control.
To deal with the ferocity of Corona, people must return to wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance. Especially if they are active indoors. Masks must be worn and replaced every 4 hours, because their maximum effectiveness is only 4 hours. Don’t forget to bring lots of spare masks in your bag and at the same time give them to people who don’t wear masks.
Masks are mandatory items because the pandemic is not over yet. According to Doctor Reisa Broto Asmoro, the effectiveness of using masks only occurs when at least 75% of people in the room wear them. Therefore, in the office or classroom, you must wear a mask and don’t take it off. It could be that there are people who only wear masks when traveling, but when they arrive at the office they are removed.
Also comply with other points in the health protocol such as washing hands or using hand sanitizer, maintaining distance, reducing mobility, and avoiding crowds. Indeed, there are already many crowds such as wedding parties. But to be on the safe side, come early in the event so it’s still quiet.
In addition to the health protocol, the public must also be vaccinated up to 3 times. Vaccine schedules can be checked in the Peduli Protect application. Injection sites are also everywhere. Not only in hospitals and health centers, but also in schools, universities, and even in malls. Just look for information on vaccination places on social media and just register via the online form provided.
Unfortunately, currently anti-vaccine (antivax) circles are spreading hoaxes, even though MUI has clearly stated that vaccines are halal and have a BPOM number. One of the government’s efforts to make more and more people want to be vaccinated and not be influenced by anti-vax is the mandatory requirement for vaccines for all students and teachers before entering school. All civil servants and private employees must also be vaccinated.
However, Antivax is still tricking and creating fake vaccine letters, even though the letter is not the same as the data in the Cares Protect application. Ordinary people are asked not to participate in such fraudulent acts because it is tantamount to lying to themselves. If you don’t want to get Corona, you have to get vaccinated instead of making fake letters. Don’t get Corona first, then regret it because you don’t have the vaccine.
In order to deal with the increasing number of corona cases, the public is urged to adhere to health protocols. Don’t take off your mask because you are in a pandemic, because masks are the first protection from Corona. In addition, everyone must be vaccinated so that they have high immunity and can reduce Corona cases in Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute