By: Ismail)*
PPKM was extended until August 9, 2021 because it was effective in reducing the number of Corona patients. If Covid patients continue to decline, Indonesia can soon be free from the pandemic and the people’s economy will recover.
To overcome the rising curve of Corona patients, the government will implement PPKM starting on July 5, 2021. When there is PPKM, mobility is strictly regulated and there are restrictions, as well as several other rules. For example, it is mandatory to work from home for the essential worker sector, school from home for students, etc. When PPKM is almost over, it is continued with PPKM level 4 volume 1.
On August 2, 2021, President Jokowi stated to extend PPKM level 4 again (jiid 2) until August 9, 2021. This decision was taken to reduce Corona cases. According to President Jokowi, the extension was carried out because there were ups and downs. On the island of Java, Corona cases decreased, while outside Java it was the opposite.
President Jokowi added that PPKM level 4 was enforced again because we all must be vigilant to cope with the impact of the pandemic, because there are fluctuations in the number of Corona patients. In addition, he also appreciated the volunteers and philanthropists who helped facilitate self-isolation, enforce health protocols, and other efforts to fight the Covid-19 virus.
In fact, the community already suspected that PPKM level 4 would be extended again. However, they are relieved that there is some leeway, in the sense that the economic sector will collapse when there are restrictions on mobility. Just like the previous period, it was allowed to eat on the spot (at the stall) so that the owner of the restaurant could open his business, although it was limited to 9 pm.
In addition, the isolation at various borders between cities/districts has been relaxed somewhat, especially in areas with PPKM level 3 status, aka the number of Covid patients has decreased. So that people can drive again, but it must be remembered that they are only allowed to pass through the road for work or other urgent matters, not traveling.
All of these compromises were made to improve the economic sector, but it must be remembered to obey the rules in PPKM level 4. The reason is because this program is carried out to reduce the number of Corona patients. If all is not in order then fear will soar again.
However, we are somewhat relieved because the previous PPKM period was proven to be able to reduce the number of Covid patients. When on July 25, 2021, more than 34,000 people were infected with Corona, then August 1, 2021, slightly decreased to 30,000 patients. This is proof that mobility restrictions are effective in suppressing Covid cases in Indonesia.
In addition, when PPKM was implemented, the BOR (number of occupied beds in hospitals) also decreased. In Tangerang, at the end of June 2021 the BOR is still 93%, while after PPKM the BOR is only 85%. This is very good because it shows the decline in the number of Corona patients there, and in other areas it is almost the same.
Therefore, don’t complain if PPKM is extended again because this program is to overcome the ferocity of Corona. Instead of being stopped and then we become the next patient, it’s not good, isn’t it? The government has carefully considered extending the PPKM.
Even though the number of Covid and BOR cases has decreased, we must not be careless in the slightest. Never take off your mask and violate health protocols, not only 3M but up to 10M. Take care of your health by eating fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods and don’t forget the water.
PPKM extension was made for mutual safety. The reason is because the number of Corona patients is still around 30,000 per day. Rather than later contracting the Covid-19 virus, it’s better to obey the rules during PPKM and just stay at home.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
