JAYAPURA - The Papua Province COVID-19 Task Force encourages the use of the Peduli Lindungi application for residents to be able to access public places in all districts and cities, although it will be implemented first in the Jayapura region and surrounding areas.

Public places include public facilities, such as malls, restaurants and shops, including places of worship.

Daily Chairman of the Papua COVID-19 Task Force, Weliam R Manderi said the implementation of the application was aimed at minimizing the transmission of the coronavirus which usually experiences a spike in cases after homecoming.

"There has been an experience after Eid and Christmas last year where there was a spike in cases, especially from travelers. This is what we must protect so that there needs to be a scan of the PeduliLindungi application to minimize the spread of COVID," said Manderi in Jayapura, Monday (28/3/2022).

Manderi hopes that the application in all public places of Papua Province can be implemented immediately considering the appeal, already listed in the latest Circular letter of the Governor of Papua.

"This means that all public places must use the PeduliLindungi application. We encourage that the application must be used," he stressed.

While still commenting on this year's Eid and Easter celebrations, Manderi appealed to Papuans to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols, especially when worshiping in mosques during the Holy Month of Ramadan and churches during Easter celebrations.

The Papua Provincial Government in the face of the two religious moments, still refers to the rules or regulations issued by the central government to then be followed up with local government policies according to conditions in the region.

"Because there are also regulations from the Minister of Health and the Ministry of Religious Affairs that are guidelines for us, so that we can make efforts to anticipate the spread of COVID-19," he explained.

In addition to health protocols, Manderi hopes that residents will also consciously bring themselves to get COVID-19 vaccination whether it is dose 1, dose 2 or dose 3 or booster vaccine.

"Because it is very important that in addition to the health program we need to vaccinate against COVID-19 so that we hope to minimize the transmission of this deadly virus," he concluded. ***