Jakarta (ANTARA) - There is low chance of a third wave of COVID-19 infections occurring in Indonesia, according to an epidemiologist at Universitas Indonesia, Pandu Riono.
“The third wave has small chance of happening,” Riono told ANTARA here on Monday.
This is because the government and public have successfully contained the second wave of COVID-19 and there is no indication that cases will hike at the moment, he explained.
In addition, the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 have dropped to almost zero, he added.
Such a condition can be attributed to high herd immunity, COVID-19 vaccinations, and natural infections, he said.
Therefore, the COVID-19 vaccination rate should be expedited for all Indonesian citizens to boost their immunity in battling the COVID-19 infection, he added.
Related news: 29,208 rural COVID posts set up to prevent third wave
He also urged the public to stay disciplined in following the health protocols for the common good and preventing a high COVID-19 transmission rate.
The health protocols include wearing masks, washing hands with soap and water, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended yet, so people should stay vigilant by following the health protocols strictly while the government accelerates vaccinations, he said.
In this way, the third wave of COVID-19 infections among the public can be prevented, he remarked.
Related news: Cases may rise by 70,000--400,000 in third wave: official
