The Ministry of Transportation in Indonesia has announced that it will be adjusting the health protocols for transportation during the transition period of the COVID-19 endemic. Four circulars have been issued regarding health protocols for those travelling domestically and internationally.
According to Adita Irawati, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation, the circulars have been issued following advice from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force. The task force’s circular advises transportation facility and infrastructure managers to continue implementing preventive and promotive measures to control the transmission of COVID-19, as well as to supervise the implementation of health protocols.
The ministry’s four circulars came into effect on June 9 and provide guidelines for transportation authorities and managers on the implementation of health protocols for users of transportation services, both before and during travel. The circulars advise passengers to receive up to the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or the second booster dose, especially for those at high risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Passengers who are healthy and not at risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 are permitted to travel without wearing masks. However, those who are sick or at risk are still advised to wear masks. They are also encouraged to carry hand sanitizer and regularly wash their hands with soap and running water, especially after coming into contact with items used by other people.
Additionally, passengers who are sick or at risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 are advised to maintain physical distance to prevent the spread of the virus. Passengers are also reminded to continue using the Satu Sehat application to monitor their personal health.
The Indonesian government has been relying on international organizations such as the EpiC and USAID for guidance on the endemic transition. The government has also urged Indonesians to get vaccinated as the country continues its transition towards the endemic phase.
Moving from pandemic to endemic means that the virus is still present in the population, but in a manageable way. In other words, living with COVID-19 becomes a part of daily life, like living with the flu.
Indonesia has been struggling with rising case numbers and hospitalizations over the past year. The government hopes that the adjustment in health protocols for transportation during the endemic transition will help to curb further transmission of the virus.
In addition to the health protocols adjustments, Indonesian authorities have been ramping up their vaccination efforts across the country. The government has urged Indonesians to get their vaccine shots on designated days and at appointed times, to avoid overcrowding and the spread of the virus. The number of available vaccines, however, is still limited.
The pandemic has pushed Indonesia into significant economic turmoil. The country’s government has implemented various measures to try to support the economy, including stimulus packages and tax breaks for businesses. While these measures have been helpful, many sectors are still struggling, and the transition to the endemic phase is viewed as a necessary step towards economic recovery.
While the pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us, the Indonesian government is hopeful that the endemic phase will bring some sense of normalcy back to daily life. With the new health protocols in place for transportation, authorities are taking necessary steps to make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible, and citizens can travel safely.
