Surakarta, Indonesia – The Health Ministry confirmed that health facilities will be ready to serve athletes participate in the XI ASEAN Para Games, which will be held in Surakarta, Central Java, next July.
“We are preparing (health facilities for the) ASEAN Para Games in Surakarta with the mayor (Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka), and we will first inspect the venues. Coordination with local health offices and the NPC (National Paralympic Committee) will also be part of the preparation “Kartini Rustandi, Director of Productive Age and Elderly Health at the Health Ministry, announced here on Tuesday.
According to the official, the authority would assure readiness in health services, environmental health, and food cleanliness and safety.
She also noted that the readiness of healthcare institutions in the Greater Surakarta area, including hospitals and public health centers, will be monitored.
“(The preparation will also include) health facilities in Semarang, as one tournament will be held there. Every competition venue would also have health officers stationed,” Rustandi made a statement.
The ministry will prepare hospitals to meet the athletes’ particular demands, including dealing with any injuries they may sustain, she said, adding that neurologists will be on call throughout the tournament.
She confirmed that the ministry is actively planning preventative steps in anticipation of a possible increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming months.
“Although we are still debating this topic, the NPC has prepared a bubble system. Because of the current situation, we will change our measures in accordance with National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and Home Affairs Ministry laws. We’ll have everything ready ,” Rustandi made a statement.
Rustandi stated that health standards will be enforced among athletes and match fans, including vaccination requirements, registration on the PeduliLindungi application, and mandatory mask and temperature checks.
Meanwhile, Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated that athletes playing in the same sports would be housed in the same hotels to simplify management.
“To anticipate an increase in COVID-19 cases, a bubble will be built for each sport. Athletes will not take a stroll. They will stay in the hotel. They will also be subjected to daily COVID-19 PCR tests,” Raka claimed this.
According to the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, the tournament will feature 1,648 athletes from 11 countries and will take place from July 30 to August 6, 2022.
