Don't go home during the Covid pandemic

Approaching the fasting month and Eid holidays, the Indonesian government urges the public not to go home when the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. This step was taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to various regions in Indonesia, especially areas with limited access to health facilities.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia has now reached 1,677 people. This figure can increase if the community does not apply distance restrictions, including by not going home when the COVID-19 outbreak in the country has not yet reached its peak. What's more, the total number of people infected is not known with certainty.

What is the danger if you go home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Homecoming activities have become a tradition that is closely related to Indonesian society. Every year during the homecoming season, tens of thousands of people flock to their hometowns to gather with their extended families and enliven the holidays.

However, this year's Eid holiday seems to be much different compared to previous years. Instead of letting go of homesickness, homecoming activities during the COVID-19 pandemic can actually bring danger to yourself and your family.

COVID-19 spreads very fast. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the transmission rate of COVID-19 has reached 2.5. This means that one positive patient can infect at least two healthy people.

When going home, you are exposed to hundreds to thousands of people during the trip. The number of people close to you is certainly even more if you use public transportation such as trains, buses, ships, or airplanes.

COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData

1,024,298

Confirmed

831,330

Recovered

28,855

DeathDistribution Map

You are not only close to fellow travelers, but also food vendors, ticket officers, and so on. You cannot recognize who is positive for COVID-19 and who is not. In fact, even positive patients may not be aware that they have COVID-19 because they are not showing symptoms.

You can also catch COVID-19 if you touch objects that are contaminated with the virus and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands. Viruses can stick to public facilities, vehicle doors, or other objects that you encounter during the trip.

Now imagine if someone catches COVID-19 while going home. That person, or even yourself, could continue the spread to dozens to hundreds of people. Those who are infected without knowing it will bring COVID-19 to their hometowns.

You may have been exposed to the virus without knowing it, either in your hometown or while traveling. In your hometown, the people most at risk of infection are your parents, relatives, and all residents who do not necessarily have easy access to health facilities.

How to stay in touch without going home during a pandemic

Even though you can't meet physically, you can still stay in touch digitally. Nowadays, many people take advantage of applications video call to stay connected with his friends.

You and your family can do the same. Try to contact your family in your hometown on the day of Eid. Don't forget to take everyone in your house.

If chatting just feels boring, give it a try video call while cooking vegetable rhombus, having lunch together, or doing other activities. Show off the circumstances in your home and ask your family to do the same.

Want to be more creative? Try making something or buying a typical souvenir from the city where you live. Send it to your hometown as a replacement because you will not be able to return home this year.

If the family in the village does not understand how to use the application video call , just calling doesn't hurt either. This will not detract from your loving message to them.

What if you were already going home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The current government has decided not to prohibit people from going home. However, there is a special policy for those who continue to return home. Once in their hometown, they will have the status of People Under Monitoring (ODP).

According to the WHO protocol on the Kawal COVID-19 page, ODP is obliged to self-isolate voluntarily by not leaving the house for 14 days except going to a clinic or hospital for a check-up.

Here are some things that need to be considered during self-isolation:

1. Use of the room and bathroom

During the isolation period, other family members were prohibited from entering the ODP bedroom. Bedrooms for ODP should have good air ventilation. Open the doors and windows every day to get fresh air.

Bathrooms for ODP should also be separate whenever possible. If there is only one bathroom, use it alternately with the ODP of the first or last shower. After the ODP is over, the bathroom is cleaned with household cleaners.

2. Activities in the house

ODP who go home during the COVID-19 pandemic may not carry out activities with other family members during the isolation period. If it must be in the same room, ODP must maintain a distance of at least one meter.

ODP must wear a surgical mask when they are with other family members. Avoid direct contact with other people or pets in the house.

3. Maintain cleanliness at home

The virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces. Therefore, ODP must regularly clean objects that are often touched such as cellphones, door handles, tables, chairs, and others using cleaning fluids.

ODP should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do it before eating and after going to the bathroom, coughing, and removing the mask. Wash utensils and clothes used by ODP using a separate sponge.

4. When to go to the doctor

If there are symptoms of high fever and shortness of breath, ODP must immediately contact the local Health Office or Puskesmas. After that, ODP must immediately go to the nearest referral clinic to check for COVID-19.

ODP should wear masks and avoid public transportation when traveling to referral clinics. If you have to use public transportation, ODP must keep your distance from the driver and other passengers.

Homecoming is a risky activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason is, you can be infected as well as transmit the virus in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the homecoming atmosphere. As long as there is no urgent reason to go home, the best step that should be taken at this time is to stay at home and take preventive measures.