UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Covid-19 Pandemic Archives Exhibition invited Dr. Windhu Purnomo dr MS, Faculty of Public Health (FKM) lecturer, on the seventh day. Dr. Windhu reviewed the process of overcoming the Covid-19 spread some time ago.
Flashback in overcoming Covid-19
Dr. Windhu explained that the first case of Corona Virus Disease at the end of 2019 (Covid-19) was caused by SARS-CoV-2, which further spread worldwide. In Indonesia, the first case was reported on March 2, 2020. After that, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 as a global pandemic.
With the continuously rising case of Covid-19, the regional government started to take restrictive actions by limiting people’s mobility. The measures aim to reduce the spread of the virus, which is easily transmitted through droplets when a person coughs or talks at a short distance (less than 1.8 meters) with no mask.
The coronavirus has mutated over time to the delta and omicron, which cause fatalities and suspected cases of asymptomatic with a high risk of infection in people with comorbidities. However, the Head of the Biostatistics Department of FKM UNAIR stated that the vaccination program has successfully achieved herd immunity in the community.
“By the end of 2021, more than 80 percent of Indonesians had achieved extraordinary immunities, as the vaccination had started from January 2021 until the mid-year, when the delta variant cases were high,” Dr. Windhu said on Monday, January 9, 2023.
Tips for post-pandemic adaptation
Now, the condition is getting better marked by the revoke of the public activity restrictions (PPKM) on December 30, 2022. However, Dr. Windhu advised the community to always wear masks for early protection, despite the antibodies produced by the vaccine or the virus from the infection.
He believed the mask would protect its user from pollutants and influenza-like diseases. Therefore, he requested the community to adopt the mask as a part of their lifestyle.
“As the virus is less malignant and we are immune, restrictions are no longer needed. Stay wearing masks in closed spaces. Masks should be a part of health and hygiene behavior,” Dr. Windhu said.
Author: Sela Septi Dwi Arista
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
