VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 on Wednesday launched the covid19.go.id page as an official source of accurate information on controlling the spread of coronavirus that has currently become a global pandemic.

Agus Wibowo, the agency head of disaster information and communication data center, notified reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday that the site served as an official reference for one-door source of information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and ways to control it.

Wibowo remarked that the covid19.go.id page was developed by the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Team for COVID-19 Countermeasures. The team comprises those from the government, the United Nations, international development partners, civil society organizations, and the business world.

The site offers certainty to the public to get access to official and accurate information on overcoming the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia.

Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling Doni Monardo noted that the global emergency situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in the circulation of inaccurate information in the community.

"We realize that the public needs access to accurate, fast, and reliable information. Hence, we created the www.covid19.go.id site, so that it can become an official one-door source of information," he explained.

In addition to being a source of reference for information on the site, it also highlights the key message of "Protect Yourself, Protect Others".

"The main message 'Protect Yourself, Protect Others' on this site is a reminder for us all, so that Indonesian people unite and work together to combat COVID-19," he stated.

Doni, concurrently the BNPB head, stressed that efforts to tackle COVID-19 can only yield positive results if all parties work together and follow a disciplined approach in complying with the government’s health protocols.

"Among the measures to be followed is keeping a safe distance by working, worshiping, and learning from home as well as always following basic hygiene practices, especially washing hands with soap," he expounded.

Doni noted that the covid19.go.id site carried a message on three crucial steps for the community to follow: how to reduce the risk of transmission, correct information, and what needs to be done when sick.

Doni pointed out that the statistical data on the number of COVID-19 positive cases were updated quickly and was expected to serve as a reference for various parties, especially the media partners in their reporting.

The Hoax Buster can be used to check whether information on COVID-19 was true or fake, according to Doni.

"We are committed to providing accurate and responsible information to the community. Correct knowledge and behavior are important elements to fight the spread of this disease," Doni added.

(ANTARA)