We are nearing the end of 2020. Yet, for now, it was not the case with the current pandemic. We are still in the ebb and flow of Covid-19 transmissions. It really is, not the time for us to let down our guard, let alone forget about the risk of contracting the coronavirus. We also need to remember, this pandemic is affecting all age groups. Both young and old, all citizens of Jakarta bear the same responsibilities, to stay vigilant and apply all the required health protocols to combat the spread of the pandemic in the capital.
Working-Age Group Most Exposed to Covid-19
Although we now know that the transmission of the coronavirus could happen to anyone, there are several things that we need to pay attention to, especially regarding the relationship between age and the number of infections that occur. Covid-19 monitoring data in Jakarta as of September 9, 2020, shows the age range of 20-29 years and 30-39 years as the two age groups most exposed to the coronavirus.
It shows people in the 30-39 age range as the highest with 11,707 cases, then the 20-29 year age range as the second highest with 10,089 people. Then successively followed by people in 40-49 age bracket (8,943 people); 50-59 years (7,824 people); over 60 years (5,544 people); 6-19 years (3,594 people); and age 5 and under (1,052 people).
Looking at the data above, this indicates that most positive patients in Jakarta come from the working-age group. Similar trends can also be seen in suspect and close contact data, where the people of 20-29 and 30-39 age range are again being the two age groups with the highest number of cases.
Of course, this is not without cause. We know that those who fall into both age categories have a more dynamic and social life. Young employees, for example, often gather and discuss to complete a certain task in the office. Then, when working hours are over, one way to unwind and is to visit and socialize at the nearest cafe or restaurant. In essence, activities that used to be a routine in pre-pandemic times, now become activities that carry a risk of coronavirus transmission. In addition, the assumption that those who are young are more resistant to Covid-19 also contributes to the large number of infections among working-age.
Curbing The Spread
As a precautionary measure, the Provincial Government of Jakarta has implemented a number of restrictive rules contained in the Regulation of the Governor of Jakarta No. 79 of 2020 concerning the Implementation of Discipline and Law Enforcement of Health Protocols as Efforts to Prevent and Control Coronavirus Disease 2019.
With these rules, our job now is to obey them. So, for those of you who are in the working-age group, from now on, give a good example to others by following health protocols: wear a mask, wash hands, and maintain a physical distance of at least one meter.
Given that the stricter social restriction will be reimposed by the provincial government soon, also avoid non-urgent activities such as hanging out with your friends or co-workers. Take advantage of the internet connectivity for everyday needs, from ordering food and groceries to work and socializing with friends via an online video-conferencing application.
Also, do the JakCLM test in JAKI once a week so that your health condition is monitored during your activities at home. For the latest information regarding the development of the Covid-19 pandemic case in Jakarta, you can access the JakCorona feature or the official corona.jakarta.go.id website.
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