By: Dian Ahadi )*
Although there have been reports of a decrease in Covid-19 cases, it seems that the public should not be careless. The public is also asked to apply strict Prokes during the year-end holiday momentum because the Covid-19 pandemic has not yet ended.
The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed experienced a significant decline. In fact, in a number of regions the level of Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) has also been lowered. However, the vigilance of this pandemic certainly cannot be reduced. However, it must be tightened.
The government continues to expand the scope of vaccination, however, this cannot be used as a basis for the community to be careless in implementing Prokes. Moreover, following the latest news of a new variant, the Omicron. The virus variant with code B.1.1.529 was first reported to WHO from the South African region. To be precise, it was November 24, 2021.
Based on the available evidence, this variant indicates a potentially detrimental change in the epidemiology of Covid-19. Thus, TAG-VE suggested to WHO to designate this species as a variant of concern (VOC). Finally WHO released news related to this virus under the name Omicron.
The name is said to have been taken from the fifteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. VOC is touted as the highest variant of the Corona virus. As a result, transmission, disease symptoms and the risk of re-infection can affect vaccine performance. Previously, it was reported that the fast-spreading variants classified as Beta, Alpha, Delta and Gamma also fall into that category.
Omicron is also claimed to have more mutations than other variants. In fact, some of them are quite worrying, because of the potential impact towards a pandemic. Although cases in Indonesia have not been found. There’s nothing wrong with always being aware of all the possibilities.
In order to anticipate this, the government is intensifying strict Prokes for all Indonesian people. The latest news mentions that there are official regulations, where PPKM level 3 is canceled but replaced with a number of rules including the following.
Strict enforcement of the flow of travelers entering from abroad. Including Indonesian migrant workers or PMI as a step to anticipate the tradition of returning home or going home to Nataru. Participate in maximizing and increasing the use and enforcement of the PeduliLindung application. Good for public facilities such as public facilities, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping centers to worship facilities.
Then, restrictions on community activities from December 24 to January 2, 2022. Even for the arts and culture to the sports sector which has the potential to cause a number of Covid-19 transmissions which will be carried out without spectators. As well as not being a Christmas and New Year celebration or causing a crowd, Prokes can be applied and attended by a maximum of 50 people.
There is a closure of the square starting at the end of the month (December 31, 2021) until the beginning of January 1, 2022. The start of the implementation of an engineering to anticipate the activities of street vendors, who are in the center of the crowd in order to comply with Prokes also maintain a distance.
For people who want to travel will be subject to several rules. Among them is the prohibition for people to travel long distances with unvaccinated status. Everyone who will go far must be vaccinated twice and do a rapid antigen test once every twenty four hours
Then, if a traveler in the first category is found and turns out to be positive for Covid-19, then they are required to self-isolate. It can also be isolated in a place that has been prepared by the government. And a number of other rules.
In this case, of course, the government is eager to maximize protection against COVID-19 for all its citizens. It is undeniable that this pandemic had felt so fast before, in the beginning there were only one or two cases. Then it is widespread and difficult to control.
However, if you look back, the current situation is much better. Although they still have to continue to struggle with this deadly virus, the government will still give its best efforts. For the sake of safe survival.
Therefore, if the government has mobilized all its capabilities. Automatically we as good citizens are obliged to strictly adhere to health protocols. Do not let omissions or negligence occur, where this will actually become a time bomb that will be difficult to stop.
The simultaneous cancellation of PPKM Level 3 is expected to be interpreted wisely by the community. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, but keep the Prokes strict for the common good. Remember, stay alert the Covid-19 virus is not over.
)* The author is a student of Pakuan Bogor University
