If I were President, This Is How I Would Fight COVID-19

The whole world is currently in uproar, struggling to fight off COVID-19, a virus that is highly contagious that attacks our respiratory system. Each of these countries has their own way to deal with this pandemic, including Indonesia. To this day (06/04/2020), Indonesia has over 2000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and it is still rising high day by day. Even though the government of Indonesia has been working hard every day and night to press down this pandemic, some citizens are still not satisfied with the way they are dealing with it. 

Nonetheless to say, if i were the President of Indonesia, my method of dealing with COVID-19 will be slightly different from the approach that Indonesia's current president took.

The first action that i would take would be to inform the citizens of Indonesia about COVID-19 in detail. This has to be done to avoid people panicking and believing every hoaxes spread in the internet. This can also minimise panic buying of basic necessities, such as foods, diapers, seasonings, etc. Not only that, hospitals and doctors who are currently working hard to treat COVID-19 patients will be able to obtain their needs easier, such as surgical masks, hand sanitizer, etc.

When citizens of Indonesia are well informed about this coronavirus, they will also be able to take precaution needed to avoid getting infected ,such as practicing social distancing and physical distancing, washing your hands regularly with soap for about 20 seconds, etc, more seriously. 

In my opinion, the most effective way to flatten the curve so that the hospital won't get overwhelmed is by applying lockdown in major cities that has lots of confirmed cases, such as Jakarta. I will deploy more police officers to patrol around the streets and punish whoever that decides to go out to the streets without a valid reason. Of course while applying lockdown, I will ensure that each of the citizens is able to obtain basic necessities to survive, such as: foods, beverages, tissue, etc.

The health of citizens will definitely be prioritised over the economy of the country, as we can always bring back the economy but we cannot bring back the lives that has been lost during this pandemic. Taking that into account, I would close down all access to the country for a time being, whether via air or sea, so that we can stop imported COVID-19 cases. 

Not just that, as Eid Mubarak is coming, I would still prohibit people who are living in cities that are being locked down to go back to their hometown to ensure that the countryside won't get affected by this pandemic. It will certainly cause a huge disagreement for some people but it is an action that the government must take as the countryside's hospital won't be able to treat COVID-19 cases as well as the cities' hospitals.

Indonesia's economy might fall down tremendously, but it is a risk that we must choose to save lives of the citizens. 

Last but not least, I will close down most public gatherings (malls, clubs, cinema, school, etc) until we are able to control this pandemic. Pharmacy will be open for 24/7 and restaurants will only be able to provide take-outs for their customers.

But for now, let's follow our current president, Joko Widodo's instructions wisely. If the whole citizens are cooperating, it will be easier for the government to gain control and end this pandemic.