Discipline is the Keyword

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The line of KRL passengers extends to the pedestrian corridor around the parking area of Bogor Station, Bogor City, Monday (15/6/2020). The Government, through the Covid-19 Task Force, issued a circular for rotating working hours for employees in the Greater Jakarta area.

The Covid-19 remains a real and serious threat. Data released by the Covid-19 task force indicates that the transmission of the virus is continuing.

The number of people infected with Covid-19 still exceeds 1,000 daily. The peak of the outbreak has not yet been reached. Based on a task force report, as of June 15, 2020, 39,294 people had tested positive for Covid-19. Therefore, discourse over a second wave should be set aside. Let’s focus on the handling of the ongoing threat.

Also read : Watch out for Second Wave of Pandemic

The high number of infected people is worrying the public even though the number of people who have recovered continues to increase. Reports of residents forcibly taking the bodies of patients under surveillance (PDPs) or the reluctance of people to undergo rapid tests, further adds to people’s worries.

At present, there are several methods to cope with Covid-19. Some have imposed a total quarantine to suppress the spread of the virus. Some others impose social restrictions but with exceptions in certain activities. There is also the method of herd immunity, which is widely criticized for being inhumane.

Also read : Covid-19 Outbreak Not yet Under Control

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Traders at ITC Kuningan, South Jakarta wearing face shields, Monday (06/15/2020). The first day the mall was opened in Jakarta, the mall manager prepared the Covid-19 prevention protocol and traders who resumed activities with a new normal order.

A number of provinces and districts in Indonesia have decided to make peace with Covid-19. As a vaccine has not been found and economic activities have to be reopened, the public should be encouraged to be disciplined in implementing health protocols. Such a decision is understandable as the social impact of the economic pressure caused by the Covid-19 outbreak should be considered.

The results of a Kompas survey on June 15, 2020 showed 40.3 percent of respondents understood the government\'s move to gradually resume economic activities amid the outbreak with strict health protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses that Indonesia has not yet met the requirements to enter the new normal. The WHO said Indonesia had yet to meet a number of the prerequisites. The situation and condition of each province is certainly very different. In any case, the WHO assessment must be accepted for introspection and improvement.

Read also : Weighing the “New Normal”

As the decision to resume economic activities has been made and the public space has been opened within certain limits, the government must anticipate the possibility of a surge in the number of people infected with Covid-19. Healthcare services must be prepared if the surge really occurs.

The community must be convinced in clear language that the situation is not normal and not safe! As the government has finally decided to make peace with Covid-19, it\'s time for us to protect ourselves from being infected or infecting others. Those who are at higher risk do not need to leave the house. If you have to go outside, obey the health protocols. Discipline is the keyword!