Two Sides of Covid-19: Adaptation and Lessons

JAKARTA-Since President Jokowi announced that people are allowed to remove masks in open spaces, many people have carried out their daily activities more flexibly. However, activities that should be carried out online are slowly turning into a hybrid or offline system. Concern over the number of positive patients that continues to increase has made Muhamad Gibran, a business development worker in the start-up industry, still reluctant to do many activities outside the home if he doesn't have to. 

"Because cases of high rates of Covid transmission have existed in Indonesia for a long time, I have become accustomed to working from home, spending time, and doing everything inside the house. I feel safe and comfortable because I don't actively interact with the outside world and feel protected in my own home.”

In another side, with the easing of wearing masks, the change in a more conducive situation has forced many workers to remain in the office to carry out many activities which are gradually being carried out offline. The return of busy work routines that are quite draining and exhausting, the busyness of various public places has brought back the increase in the Covid-19 growth rate which initially subsided to 930 new cases every day, resulting in additional patients being referred to various Covid-19 healing service facilities.

Muhammad Rafly, a creative industry worker who is a Covid-19 survivor who just finished undergoing treatment at Wisma Atlet Kemayoran, deeply regrets the carelessness of the community in responding to regulations regarding the release of masks held by the government. However, the whole community should be aware that Covid will not really go away, but will only subside. Efforts to maintain distance and the application of health protocols must continue to be carried out in order to really reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.

"Although the news is a relief, it is very unfortunate that the rules for removing masks have been implemented and the public has become indifferent to health protocols. Because people are still not used to this new habit, there need to be restrictions again so that people become disciplined” he said.

As those who understand information, it is appropriate for the younger generation to continue to spread positive information related to health protocols that must still be carried out, in order to maintain a stable rate of decline in Covid-19. Rafly also believes that the current increase in cases is also an uncertain climate factor in all parts of Indonesia so people are vulnerable. For this reason, it is important to maintain health starting with yourself and the people around you to stay healthy and protected.