From Pandemic to Endemic
Health Ministry Covid-19 vaccination spokeswoman Siti Nadia Tarmizi said that although the country has seen success in containing the pandemic, the change of status to “endemic” will refer to the recommendations set forth by the WHO. Indonesia is currently still implementing PPKM, at Level 2 nationwide, because the ratio for tracing has yet to reach 1:15 contacts. While the situation has improved, the country still needs to remain vigilant, because the pandemic is far from over and local transmission, while low, is still being found. To shift to an endemic status, there must be no cases, either sporadic ones or clusters.
Don’t be complacent!
The Indonesian people are advised not to be overly euphoric over the low case count. On the other hand, people must continue to be vigilant, because Covid-19 can still lurk in the community. Strict discipline to observe the health protocols, especially mask wearing, must not be loosened. The use of tracing application Peduli Lindungi must continue to be implemented in daily socio-economic life and public facilities such as malls and places of worship. This will be key to the efforts to coexist with Covid-19 and keep transmission low in the future. Vaccination coverage must be expanded evenly throughout the regions. Vigilance, not complacency, should take root because the possibility of a third wave is real and the emergence of new variants is still a cause for concern. (GRAPH-5)