Anticipating COVID-19 in the Regions

The regions need to immediately anticipate a spike in COVID-19 because of high mobility and neglect of health protocols. This is not to mention the impact of the emergence of new variants.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Police officers ask for the completeness of travel requirements documents, including negative results of Covid-19, to every driver who wants to go to West Sumatra at the MUDIK (exodus/homecoming) isolation post on the border of the province of West Sumatra-Riau in Nagari Tanjuang Balik, Pangkalan Koto Baru District, Limapuluh Kota, West Sumatra, Sunday 16/5/2021).

The restriction of mudik (exodus) has been considered a success. Now, authorities are also strictly intercepting returnees. However, what was not anticipated was the mobility of residents within their respective regions.

A Google report on Indonesian community mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic showed a significant increase during the holiday season, especially at food outlets, parks and recreational sites. Meanwhile, mobility in public transportation centers and workplaces was below the measurement basis.