Ministry of Health Calls for Mask-Wearing as COVID Infection Rises

TheIndonesia.co - The Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called for Indonesians to return to mask-wearing as the number of COVID-19 infection rises in the last few weeks.

Sadikin said even though COVID situation in Indonesia is still considered “safe” according to the standard set out by the World Health Organization (WHO), he urged Indonesian citizens to continue rigorously following necessary health protocols, including wearing mask.

“President [Joko Widodo] called [for mask-wearing] because there has been surge in cases, and we’re better prepared,” Sadikin said on Tuesday, July 12, as reported by Antara.

According to the Minister, the average of daily infection in Indonesia is currently at 2,000 cases per day, and the figure is still below the WHO’s safe level at 7,800 cases per day.

“As long as it’s below 7,800, the situation is still considered normal,” Sadikin explained.

Therefore, he called for the public to ensure mask-wearing, especially in enclosed spaces and crowds where infection and transmission probability is higher, to avoid higher infection rate and cases in the country.

Earlier in May, President Jokowi decided to allow the public not to use masks if they are doing outdoor activities or in open areas that are not crowded but said it remains necessary during indoor activities.

Meanwhile, people who are categorized as vulnerable, elderly, or have comorbid diseases, were recommended to continue wearing masks in their activities.

"Similarly, for people who have symptoms of cough and cold, they must still wear masks when doing activities," the President said.