VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Only three percent of the mechants and buyers at markets in the Greater Jakarta area are aware of the significance of following health protocols, especially social distancing, during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey.

"The survey was conducted by interviewing traders and buyers at markets about the awareness of market merchants viewed as being one group prone to contracting COVID-19," Secretary-General of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Sudirman Said noted in a press statement here on Thursday.

The survey was conducted by PMI, the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The survey conducted on traders and buyers at markets in Jakarta and its suburban satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi aimed to curtail the transmission of COVID-19.

The survey showed that 85 percent of the respondents were unaware of ways to prevent COVID-19, some 80 percent still made payments through cash, while 69 percent think there is not enough space to maintain a safe required distance between traders and buyers.

The lack of moving space posed a challenge for market visitors to practice social distancing, he pointed out.

Said opined that market operators or associations should integrate audio in their campaign for observing health protocols, including the correct way to use masks, maintain social distancing, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Market operators should routinely call on market merchants to always wear masks while conducting their activities. (Antaranews)