Jakarta, IO – The government has officially ditched the rule on mask wearing, including for travel and crowd-pulling events.
This was stipulated in Circular Letter 1/2023 on Health Protocols during the Transition Period for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Endemic Phase issued by the Covid-19 Handling Task Force, Friday (9/6).
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), even though the rule has been revoked, the government continues to recommended people to take the second booster (fourth dose). “Especially for people who have a high risk of contracting Covid-19,” the regulation said.
The government also asked the public to keep wearing masks and keep their distance if they are feeling unwell or can potentially transmit Covid-19 to others.
In addition, people are also advised to carry hand sanitizer and wash their hands in running water. Finally, the government encourages the public to continue using the SATUSEHAT application to monitor their health status.
Covid-19 Handling Task Force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito said that even though the pandemic status has not been revoked by WHO, people must be prepared for a transition to endemic phase. He said the new health protocol would emphasize personal and collective responsibility to prevent transmission of the virus.
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“Many countries have been able to control COVID-19. As cases are on the wane, WHO might consider ending the pandemic,” said Wiku. “Currently, the responsibility of the community during the endemic transition is very important to protect each other from contracting Covid-19.” (un)