COVID-19

The transition from pandemic to endemic, according to Indonesia's health minister, is under way

Indonesia's transition from pandemic to endemic phase is underway, says Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. As part of this transition, the government is relaxing health regulations, including no longer requiring COVID-19 testing and allowing individuals to choose whether or not to wear masks. The minister believes this approach will encourage people to follow health practices independently. However, he advises adjusting mask usage based on the surrounding environment and recommends wearing masks in crowded places or when in contact with symptomatic individuals. Despite the relaxed regulations, President Joko Widodo highlights the importance of mask-wearing and acknowledges the discipline shown by Indonesians to control the spread of COVID-19. The country has seen a decline in cases and hospitals have minimal patients with a low death rate.

Medriva Newsroom

24 Dec 2022 03:11 EST

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Tanjungpinang - Indonesia is currently transitioning from the COVID-19 pandemic to the endemic phase, according to Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

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"The move to endemic is being done gradually, not all at once," he stated on Wednesday in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands.

To do this, the government is easing previously strict health regulations. He also stated that COVID-19 testing is no longer required, and that people can decide whether or not to wear masks outside.

This method, he claims, will unintentionally inspire people to follow health practises on their own.

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"One of the characteristics of all endemic infectious diseases is that everyone already knows what it is, observes health rules, and knows how to treat it if they have been exposed," he stated.

Despite the loosening of the mask regulation outside, Sadikin recommends people to adjust to their surroundings: if they are in a crowded environment or encounter friends who have symptoms such as coughing, fever, or sneezing, they must wear masks to avoid COVID-19 transmission.

"If you feel safe and comfortable, you may remove the mask," he continued.

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President Joko Widodo reaffirmed his message, noting that Indonesians have shown remarkable discipline in wearing masks, helping to control the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases are on the decline in the country, with almost no patients in hospitals and a low death rate.

"President Jokowi (Widodo) returned from a trip to the United States lately. COVID-19's administration in Indonesia has been praised after it was credited with significantly reducing cases "The minister added.

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