By: Made Prawira )*
Indonesia is preparing to transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase. Nevertheless, the public is still obliged to obey the Prokes so that the positive trend of controlling Covid-19 cases can be maintained.
It doesn’t feel like we’ve been through a pandemic for more than two years. A small virus called Corona has ruined the lives of many people. The financial situation of the community was somewhat shaken although it eventually recovered slowly. Everyone wears a mask when leaving the house and obeys other points in the health protocol.
But now the situation has improved and the number of Corona patients continues to decline. According to data from the Covid-19 Task Force Team, the number of Corona patients as of May 10, 2022 was 454 people. This figure is far less than the end of last year, which reached thousands of patients.
If this situation continues, we are preparing for the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase. Spokesperson for the Covid-19 Task Force Team, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito, stated that Indonesia was no longer in the emergency phase in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and had begun to transition to the endemic phase. There has been a decrease in Corona cases and also treatment in hospitals. Community mobility also began to increase.
Endemic is a condition where there is a disease in a certain area. For example, malaria in Papua Province. If Indonesia enters an endemic period, Corona will still exist but only in certain areas and very limited transmission. The number of patients is also very minimal and the virus can be controlled.
If Indonesia transitions into an endemic phase, people don’t feel safe just yet, because Corona is still there. The endemic phase does not mean that the virus will disappear 100% even though it can be controlled. Therefore, the public is advised to continue to adhere to health protocols and maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle.
Health protocols must be adhered to, especially wearing masks. Unfortunately, now people are lazy to wear masks because they think the pandemic is over, but it hasn’t. Don’t just wear a mask just for fear of being reprimanded by officers. But wear a mask on your own awareness, for personal safety and public health.
Especially for children, they are required to wear masks because they have gone to school as usual. To prevent the formation of a new Corona cluster, you must wear a mask and do not remove it when in class. Also put a spare mask into the child’s bag because a sheet of mask is only effective for a maximum of 4 hours.
In addition to wearing a mask, also obey other procedures such as washing hands or using hand sanitizer. When you get home you are also required to take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes. All of this is done to make it more hygienic and less susceptible to the Covid-19 virus, other viruses, and bacteria.
Health protocols such as staying away from crowds and keeping a distance are also mandatory. Especially the crowd, because at this time the market, supermarket, and other places have been entered freely by visitors. To avoid crowded visitors, come in the morning when the supermarket just opens. It will be more convenient for shopping because it is still quiet and the queue in front of the cashier is relatively quiet.
Indonesia is still in the transition phase from pandemic to endemic. The number of Corona patients has decreased and the treatment rooms for Covid-19 patients in hospitals are starting to empty. Even though the situation is relatively safe, don’t be negligent and forget the health protocols so that you can live side by side with Covid-19.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
