Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. (Image via Jatim TIMES)

Luhut: Herd immunity is near

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, stated his optimism that by the upcoming July, about 70 million people will have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Therefore, herd immunity might be achieved according to the target set by the Indonesian Government.

Speaking at the CNBC Economic Outlook 2021 on Thursday, Luhut stated confidently that either July or August 2021 will be the time Indonesia shall achieve herd immunity against the COVID-19 with 70 million inoculations. Currently, the Indonesian Government is targeting 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine recipients daily in March, and in April, the target is increased to 700,000 per day. Should the target be achieved, then by July, about 70 million people will have been vaccinated.

Luhut said that as some groups have already received vaccinations, herd immunity is already in motion. Therefore, he wants the Indonesian people to also believe that not so soon, herd immunity shall be achieved.

The Coordinating Minister also added that from 34 provinces in Indonesia, only 13 provinces contributed to the high number of COVID-19 infections by 83 percent. Moreover, Luhut stated that the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness may be enhanced by focusing the vaccination program on provinces most affected by the virus.

The Indonesian Government also targeted some regions that play a pivotal role in the Indonesian economy. One of which is Bali, as the Indonesian Government is struggling to make it green with the vaccine. Should Bali be COVID-19 free, then it will attract more tourists.

Free vaccinations have been administered for medical workers and public servants. By Wednesday, Indonesia's COVID-19 Task Force recorded 825,650 vaccinations.

Source: https://bit.ly/37HTh7y