Ahead of the Nataru holiday (Christmas and New Year), it is feared that there will be a violation of health protocols. Violators must be dealt with firmly because if left unchecked it will be dangerous, because it can trigger a new corona cluster.
The pandemic situation is safe and the curve of Covid patients is sloping, the number of Covid-19 patients is currently around 500 per day. However, the government does not want to be lulled by the situation for fear that the curve will rise again, especially during the Nataru holidays (Christmas and New Years). Therefore, during the year-end holidays and after the new year, the Government will again carry out a tightening of community activities.
At PPKM level 3, the rules are tightened. Indeed, there is no strict partition like at the beginning of the PPKM period a few months ago, but there is an odd-even police number scheduling. In addition, there should be no New Year’s celebrations, either indoors or outdoors. Public places such as malls, zoos, tourist attractions, and cinemas may be open but a maximum of 50% of visitors.
The North Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General of Police Drs R.Z Panca Putra, M.Si stated that he would take serious action on places that violate PPKM. Even though there is an easing (malls can open until 10 pm) but don’t overdo it. Especially the cats with the officers. In that sense, there should be no cinema or cafe inside the mall that is free to open until midnight.
The police will conduct raids, in addition to conducting candle operations. Raids are mainly held in places that have the potential to trigger crowds, not only on the streets. For example in restaurants, cafes, and other places. It is prone to violations of health protocols, and it is possible to increase the capacity to 100% in order to get a lot of profit, even though the maximum is only 50%.
Crowds are also potentially there on the evening of December 31st. Although there may not be a New Year’s party in a hotel or cafe, be aware of a private party at a villa or house. Even if only the family comes, they are still not allowed to get together, roast corn, then set off fireworks, citing the new year.
In addition to crowd raids, the public is also expected to be more careful with other health protocols during the Nataru holiday. For example, wearing a mask. Don’t just wear a mask just for fear of being raided by officers. Even though wearing a mask is an obligation and as an effort, so as not to get corona.
This firm action is very much supported by the community because it is still a pandemic period, and the Christmas and New Year holidays are critical times, because there could be an increase in the mobility of residents. Don’t let holidays bring disaster and eventually get corona, then increase the number of Covid-19 patients in Indonesia.
People who are being prosecuted should also not be angry because the officers are carrying out their duties. Don’t get into an argument, because right now it’s still a pandemic. Everyone must be orderly so as not to form new corona clusters, and still obey health protocols.
To prevent violations, civil servants and private employees are prohibited from taking leave during Nataru. If you violate it, you will get a harsh warning. His children also cannot take a day off because the holiday after the end of semester exams has been shifted from December to January 2022.
Ahead of Nataru’s holiday is a thrilling time for fear that many will violate health protocols. Don’t even wander around and celebrate the new year with speed, if you don’t want to be grabbed by the officers. Remember that mass mobility can trigger new corona cases and obey the PPKM rules as best you can.
By: Edwin Sanjaya)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute