english.jpnn.com, JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) and a number of health experts and epidemiologists have warned about the potential for a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
This might occur at the end of the year during Christmas and New Year's holidays.
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Reflecting on the past, Covid-19 cases went up significantly after long holidays due to increased mobility.
David Nabarro, a WHO special envoy on Covid-19, has set out how countries can best manage the pandemic. Some Asian countries, he said, should not ease social restrictions too early and have to wait until the number of cases decline and remain low.
Going towards the end of 2021, the WHO also reminded the potential for the third wave, including in Indonesia.
Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist who is on the WHO expert panel on COVID-19, stated that many activities had begun to be carried out for the public without strict health protocols and proper screening, which would trigger another spike in cases.
He said the spike in Covid-19 cases in Indonesia would likely to be similar to that of neighboring Singapore, which is now experiencing it.
Health expert Andreas Harry Lilisantoso concurred, saying that even Singapore, which is tight with restrictions, could experience an increased crisis, let alone Indonesia with its large population and distribution of residences.
Meanwhile, vaccination in Indonesia is only around 30 to 40 percent of the target.
President Joko Widodo has asked all Cabinet members to take steps to prevent the potential third wave. (antara/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: WHO Mengingatkan Lagi soal Potensi Gelombang Ketiga COVID-19 di Indonesia