The West Java provincial administration is mulling over the possibility of needing citizens to take a swab test prior to casting their ballots at the surveys during the simultaneous regional elections on Dec. 9.
Eight regional head elections will take place at the same time in West Java regencies and cities, namely Karawang, Sukabumi, Bandung, Cianjur, Pangandaran, Indramayu, Tasikmalaya and Depok. These areas are presently categorized as red zones, or with a high threat of virus transmission.
West Java Deputy Governor Uu Ruzhanul Ulum stated the administration would decide on the swab test requirement next week.
” We have yet to decide as we have to do a proper clinical study and take obligation for it,” Uu stated during a weekly conference with West Java’s COVID-19 and financial recovery committee on Monday.
The study will take a look at whether a rapid test or polymerase domino effect (PCR) test would be used, and how much one would cost. In the meantime, the administration has ensured it would cover the expenditures for COVID-19 screening only for local authorities stationed at ballot stations.
Throughout the conference, the committee members also went over the possibility of requiring the test for voters aged 40 and above. Though the West Java administration has yet to pick the matter, Uu explained that based upon his observations, a lot of COVID-19 patients were aged 40 or above.
” The more youthful generation is more resilient. Hopefully, by next week, we will have currently chosen if voters should take a test or not.”
Epidemiologists Dicky Budiman greatly valued the initiative, stating that the tests ought to be carried out properly.
He described that a standard released by the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggested that voters bring a statement of their COVID-19- free status 3 days prior to ballot, and after that take another test within three or 5 days after voting.
” After that, they have to undergo self-isolation for seven days, basically. If they didn’t take a test before casting their vote, they need to self-isolate for 14 days despite the fact that they had already executed health protocols.”
When it comes to the elections in Indonesia, Dicky encouraged the government to utilize the antigen fast test technique so that the results would come out quickly but more precisely compared to the routine test.
” The federal government need to make preparations. The test must be performed near the ballot booth, and voters ought to take another test at the voting area within three to 5 days after they cast their vote,” Dicky stated.
The continuous screening method should likewise be implemented nearing long weekends at the end of the year.
” The government must strive to reduce virus transmission if they want to loosen up limitations. The testing must be coordinated with a database at the testing area.” (adi/dpk)
Editor’s note: This article becomes part of a public campaign by the COVID-19 job force to raise individuals’s awareness about the pandemic.
