By: Devina Kirana)*
Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS) is the key to preventing the transmission of Covid-19. This habit must still be carried out even though the number of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia has decreased.
As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 globally declines, World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Director Michael Ryan, said 2022 will be a turning point for the pandemic to change its status to endemic. Endemic itself means a disease that is contagious in an area in a group of people. Endemic is a condition where a disease appears constantly in a population or a certain geographic location, for example malaria and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Government Spokesperson for Handling Covid-19, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito said that human behavior is vital in determining the magnitude of disease transmission in the world. Human behavior is closely related to mobility to the socio-economic activities of the community. So that the Covid-19 pandemic indirectly trains us to adjust to changing behavior in a short time.
WHO in May 2022, has updated the recommendations for community behavior in activities. In accordance with the principle of “Comply with, Protected Together” in adjusting to the global Covid-19 conditions, recommendations for community behavior according to WHO are as follows:
First, take the initiative to get accurate and complete vaccinations. Second, keep a minimum distance and stay away from crowds. Third, use a mask properly that covers the mouth and nose, especially when it is difficult to maintain a distance, and in a closed room with minimal air circulation.
The fourth recommendation is to be diligent in cleaning hands with hand sanitizer, soap and running water. Fifth, apply etiquette to cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Cover your mouth when coughing with your elbow or tissue. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately and wash your hands immediately.
The sixth recommendation is to immediately check yourself or self-isolate if you feel symptoms similar to Covid-19. Prof. Wiku explained that the recommendations for sustainable clean living are expected to coexist with the community’s self-confidence in implementing them.
To welcome the new era after the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Institute for Child Welfare (UNICEF) also recommends continuing to strengthen health infrastructure.
The form of strengthening health infrastructure is for example by increasing the number of qualified health workers, then improving the system for recording and reporting cases (surveillance). Furthermore, the Covid-19 vaccination can become a routine immunization program supported by better logistical aspects and the supply of medical equipment.
These recommendations should be implemented with full awareness by the community. Without awareness from the community and if some communities are still reluctant to implement these recommendations, it will be very unfortunate if there is no positive impact from its implementation.
The implementation of field implementation must also be monitored properly. Clean and healthy living activities that have been carried out by the community will be in vain if it is not supported by adequate health support facilities. With the improvement of health facilities in line with public awareness to carry out PHBS, the active cases of Covid-19 will not increase again.
As a complement after implementing PHBS, the community must also maintain their health by getting enough sleep, staying well hydrated, eating nutritious food, and being active in sports. By maintaining health, our bodies will be more fit and enthusiastic in carrying out activities.
Let’s welcome a new life together without Covid-19. A life where we can return to normal life without masks, can move directly without using digital devices, and live a happy life without being haunted by the negative effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
)* Author is Contributor for Pertiwi Institute