Mask Mandate Lifted: Are We Ready?

Government has officially permit people to not wear mask outdoor. It is due the situation is now under control and following the recent decline of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia.

It's been a month since the official announcement on 18th May 2022, how's the outcome of the easing?

Official said, since this mandate was announced, even the national infection rate is still fluctuating, it is still under world average rate, which is one to sixty per 1.000 citizens, which is still in a controllable situation. In addition to that, the recovery rate of Covid-19 in Indonesia has been in a significant rise lately, according to official, the latest recovery rate is at 97.36%

But, is it safe to fully lift the mask mandate?

Indonesian researcher and epidemiologist from Griffith University, Australia, Dicky Budiman said, Indonesia is still not safe to go free mask, it was due to the booster vaccine recipient is still just on 20.5% from national target, he adds, the safe number to fully lift the mask mandate is when the booster recipient is 70% of the target.

Furthermore, Indonesia had been facing rising trend of infection cases in the past weeks. Following the massive mobilization of mudik Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Just like the other countries, Indonesia has been battling Covid-19 for two years. The easing of the mask mandate is a sign of preparation for moving on from pandemic state to endemic state. Other countries who also have lift the mask mandate are, United States, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain and more.

On contrary, it is still a must to wear mask for indoor activity, on public transport or for those who are vulnerable, elderly or have comorbid disease or cough.