“The long weekend has ended, but maybe people still want to get out during weekends,” national COVID-19 task force data and information technology head Dewi Nur Aisyah said in a virtual press conference last week. 

Although it’s advisable to stay home to curb the spread of COVID-19, Dewi shared some tips that would keep people safe while traveling. 

In addition to practicing the 3M health protocols, menggunakan masker (mask-wearing), mencuci tangan (hand-washing) and menjaga jarak (social distancing), Dewi said that it was important to check the destination’s facilities and infrastructure before going on a trip. 

“Not all attractions are being disinfected regularly,” she said, adding that it was also necessary to check the crowds. 

Fira Basuki, the Jakarta Aquarium’s head of social, branding and communication, echoed her sentiments, saying it was important to choose tourist spots that complied with health protocols. 

“Choose a safe tourist spot that ensures that all its employees take regular rapid tests and are negative for COVID-19,” she said as quoted by antaranews.com. 

Fira added that it was important to check whether the facilities are disinfected and equipped with washbasins and hand sanitizer at every corner. 

With regard to personal hygiene, Dewi urged travelers to bring their own hand sanitizer, cutlery and praying rugs for Muslims.

 Read also: People neglect health protocols during holiday: Report

In order to stay safe during a trip, Fira said that travelers could choose less crowded days, such as between Monday and Thursday. 

“You can also call up the destinations and ask them which days are usually less crowded for them.” 

Fira also suggested choosing tourist spots that have their own food areas and to find special deals that would save travelers money.

Despite local governments’ robust campaigns on health protocols, many travelers still neglected them during the recent long weekend.

According to the national COVID-19 task force, some 600,000 health protocol violations were recorded daily during the five-day break and more than 1 million tourists were monitored for failing to abide by the 3M rules.

Dewi said the task force had received more reports of health protocol violations from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 compared to normal days. (jes)

 

Editor’s note: This article is part of a public campaign by the COVID-19 task force to raise people’s awareness about the pandemic.