IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi claims the government has yet found COVID-19 infections spreading within the confines of commercial planes as he deems the aviation industry has implemented strict health protocols.
“Air travel has become one of the sectors with the most rigid health security and [produced] relatively non-existent infection rate,” Minister Budi Karya said on September 22. “Those who fly are not exposed to COVID-19.”
The transportation Minister elaborates that commercial aviation stakeholders have applied strict principles on mask-wearing, self-hygiene, and physical distancing which has been fully implemented by both passengers and officials.
He also claims air cabins are kept 99 percent relatively clean with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA). Budi Karya insists the government will not tolerate violators of health protocols in the aviation industry.
However, the minister acknowledges that many people are still reluctant to use air travel amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
But based on the data of West Kalimantan transportation agency, one passenger of a Citilink flight from Jakarta to Pontianak had tested positive after 48 passengers were swab tested.
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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA