So that the New Normal Doesn't Become the New Abnormal: Fulfill Epidemiological and Social Requirements

Jakarta, 31 May 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the Covid-19 pandemic will likely continue to circulate for a long time. A vaccine may not be available until the end of this year. In fact, if a vaccine is found, it will take time and massive efforts to distribute it. Therefore, the global community is advised to prepare for this worst possibility and prepare for the transition to a new normal.

There are six conditions proposed by WHO before a country relaxes restrictions and enters the new normal. First, it can show evidence that the transmission of Covid-19 has been controlled. The next condition is that the capacity of the public health system and hospitals, including hospitals, is sufficient to identify, isolate, test, trace contacts and quarantine those who are infected.

Apart from preventing the risk of imported cases from recurring, the risk of Covid-19 must also be minimized, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Preventive measures in the workplace must also be strictly established, including maintaining physical distance, having hand washing facilities and good air circulation.

Apart from epidemiological indicators, health capacity and carrying capacity of physical facilities, WHO also provides requirements with a social dimension, namely understanding community risks in the transition to the new normal.

After fulfilling these six main conditions, a number of countries are currently preparing to move towards a new normal, including New Zealand, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and others.

Download LaporCovid-19 Press Release 31 May 2020 PDF version