PANGKALAN BUN – EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION BUREAU. Governor of Central Kalimantan H. Sugianto Sabran chaired a meeting to evaluate the handling of Covid-19 which was held at the West Kotawaringin Police Hall, Monday (10/05/2021).

The evaluation meeting was held to discuss the handling of Covid-19 and the economy, which is the mandate of the President of the Republic of Indonesia in the meeting with Governors, Regents / Mayors throughout Indonesia some time ago. In his direction, the Governor reminded and reiterated the importance of health protocols. “The President has always emphasized that the control of Covid-19 and the economy can run as usual, but when the economy is running, the Health Protocols must run too,” he said, adding that the task of the provincial government as a representative of the central government was to ensure synergy with regencies / municipality, one of which was through an evaluation meeting whether the steps and policies that have been made are appropriate or not implemented.

The governor, as the head of Central Kalimantan Covid-19 Task Force, asked the Regents and Regional Leadership Coordination Forum to use decisive and strict steps. If necessary, legal or social sanctions will be imposed for violators of health protocol regulations so that there is a sense of deterrence in the community.

Regarding the entry of a new variant of Covid-19, namely variant B.1.617 to Palangka Raya, the Governor confirmed this. “The new variant in Central Kalimantan was reported on March 27, 2021 from 3 patients at Doris Sylvanus Regional Hospital, 2 residents in Palangka Raya and 1 patient was from Gunung Mas Regency. Thank God, all patients have recovered. However, we temporarily consider this new variant to be more virulent than the previous virus. Take a look at the new trends in India. I emphasize that in India a new wave occurs during religious events. Then, in Indonesia we anticipate it because every religious event there is a long holiday that will definitely increase. We anticipate the existence of this new variant, I say that we don’t ignore it or we take it lightly,” explained the Governor.

The governor also asked for tightening the three airports, namely at Tjilik Riwut Palangka Raya Airport, H. Asan Sampit Airport, and Iskandar Airport in Pangkalan Bun, so that all domestic flights apply health protocols seriously and monitor the implementation of Swab PCR which is applied to all passengers who will enter Central Kalimantan.

Likewise with two sea ports, namely Kumai in Pangkalan Bun and Port of Bahaur in Pulang Pisau, the governor asked the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum those regencies to guard against the reverse flow. “Ships with Indonesian flags but exporting abroad must be monitored continuously, crew members cannot get off the ship, they must first isolate them on board and other people are not allowed to enter the ship except for the task force equipped with special clothes (PPE) to protect exposure to new variants,” said the Governor.

The governor continued to advise all Regents and members of Regional Leadership Coordination Forum to disseminate information to the public about the importance of the 4M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, washing hands with soap in running water, and avoiding crowds.

Also attending the evaluation meeting were the Regent of West Kotawaringin, the Chief of West Kotawaringin Police, the Chairman of West Kotawaringin House of Representatives, the Head of Iskandar Pangkalan Bun Airport, the Head of West Kotawaringin Sea Port, the West Kotawaringin District Commander, West Kotawaringin High Prosecutor, Regent’s Assistants, West Kotawaringin Health Office, and Head of West Kotawaringin Board for Disaster Management. (dew/bow/translated by feb)