We have had to deal with the new coronavirus these last two years to know what needs to be done in the event of another major outbreak. Besides, the national vaccination rate has now reached 72 percent of the targeted 208 million people, and on top of that, millions who had been infected and survived have automatically developed immunity.

The transition to the endemic phase will mean removing many of the social mobility restrictions that have been in place for two years. Some —  though not all — of these restrictions can be safely lifted. People should be allowed to travel more freely, go to their workplaces, do their shopping and go to entertainment places, and for children go back to school.

Some of these restrictions have been eased in recent weeks.

On Monday, the government lifted the mandatory proof of COVID-19 tests for domestic passengers. The mandatory quarantine for incoming travel from outside Indonesia has been cut to just one day and even removed completely for those arriving in Bali. Why the discrepancy? Why not remove it for all parts of the country? A one-day period quarantine seems pointless.

Announcing a transition to an endemic phase would allow people and businesses, as well as travelers, to plan their lives and activities with greater certainty.

Some argue that current COVID-19 figures do not support the case for making the transition. The 401 COVID-related deaths on Tuesday represented the highest daily number since the first reported case of the Omicron variant in January. But if we look at the bigger picture and trends in infection and hospitalization rates, the government has the situation under control.

When the government decides to begin the transition toward an endemic phase, it should be announced by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. It was he who issued the presidential decree declaring a national health emergency status in March 2020, elevating it to health natural disaster status a month later.

When he breaks the news to the nation, he should send a clear message that the end of the pandemic does not mean a full return to normalcy. We should not be under any illusion that the virus has gone away. COVID-19 has taught us lessons on how to live with the virus.

While wearing facemasks in public places may no longer be mandatory, it should be a requirement at workplaces and in schools for those who show even the slightest symptoms of the flu. Better still, they should be required to stay at home until they are fully recovered.

As we move toward the endemic phase, the government must remain vigilant, with public participation, in the event of another virus outbreak.

Our resiliency toward COVID-19 will be put to the test in the coming Idul Fitri holiday at the end of April and the beginning of May. This is normally the time when millions of people travel to their hometowns to celebrate the Islamic holiday. In 2020 and 2021, in spite of travel restrictions, many defied mobility curbs and both times caused a spike in infection rates.

Let’s move toward the endemic phase with care.