Ministry of Health says The Government Won't Rush to Change Indonesia's Pandemic Status to Endemic

JAKARTADAILY.ID - Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, revealed that the government would not rush to change Indonesia's pandemic status to endemic.

According to her, there are several indicators to fulfill in a certain period of time for Indonesia to enter the endemic phase. Among the indicators are a significant reduction rate of Covid-19 transmission and a less than five percent positivity rate.

"The case rate is less than five percent, the facility level is less than three percent, and the status of the implementation of community activity restrictions (PPKM) is at level 1," said Siti Nadia Tarmizi.

Nadia added the government continues to observe the endemic phase's indicators with experts every day. According to such factors, Indonesia is currently facing a transition phase of the pandemic to endemic.

In addition, the government has also lowered the PPKM status to level 2, revoked travel regulations that require PCR and antigen tests. Furthermore, the government has also shortened the quarantine period for foreign travelers.

She highlighted the possibility that Covid-19 transmission later in the endemic phase would still exist. However, it wouldn't interfere with the public's daily activities.

"During the endemic, although [there might still] be a case, it won't interrupt our daily activities like [what we experience] in the present," she said.

"Whereas almost [all of our] daily activities, social activities, religious activities, and tourism, won't be affected by the Covid-19 cases," she added.

According to Nadia, getting rid of the disease will take more time.

"We need to prepare to live side-by-side with the Covid-19," said Siti.

The article was translated from Pikiran-Rakyat.com's article titled "Jubir Kemenkes: Pemerintah Tidak Akan Buru-buru Ubah Pandemi Jadi Endemi".

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