VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The government has appealed to people and all stakeholders to wear masks and maintain a safe physical distance during the implementation of emergency public activities restriction (PPKM) across Java and Bali on July 3-20, 2021.

The implementation guidelines for tightening public activities during the emergency PPKM imposed by the government in Jakarta on Thursday applies to all to wear masks properly and consistently as the minimum action of health protocols.

Furthermore, selection of the types of masks should focus on strengthening security, including by informing that surgical disposable masks are better than cloth masks, though N95 masks are better than surgical masks.

If the public does not have N95 masks, double surgical masks are the best alternative to wear. Moreover, the masks should be replaced if they have been worn for over four hours.

In addition, the residents looking to venture outdoors are obligated to maintain a two-meter distance while interacting with other people. Moreover, avoiding contact with people not staying in the same house is the most prudent approach currently.

The government has also warned that COVID-19 is more contagious in these conditions: indoor, over-15-minute meeting; close interactions; activities necessitating strong breathing, such as singing, talking, and laughing; and not wearing masks while dining together.

The government has also regulated the ventilation, duration, and interaction distance in the efforts to reduce the transmission risk while conducting activities. Rooms should be properly ventilated. Doors and windows are suggested to be kept open to optimize air circulation.

If the doors and windows cannot be kept open, then the rooms should be equipped with air purifiers having HEPA filters. Conducting activities outdoors offers lower transmission risks as compared to doing activities indoors with other people.

In terms of the duration, indoor activities at the office should be based on schedules and rotation to help slash the duration during interaction with others. Meanwhile, the distance during interaction is considered safe if it is only maintained among people in the same house.

President Joko Widodo earlier stated that the emergency PPKM comprises public activity restrictions that are more stringent than those being currently imposed.

“Regarding details of the implementation of emergency PPKM, I have designated coordinating minister for maritime and investment to provide information pertaining to the restrictions,” he remarked. (Antaranews)