By Honorary Reporter Shalsa Nurhasanah from Indonesia

Photos= Korea.net DB

People around the world are experiencing a new normal in daily life due to COVID-19. The new normal means carrying on a daily routine while observing rules to guard against the pandemic. People can do daily activities outside the home, but must exercise health protocols to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Many countries have restricted human movement amid the pandemic. One Spanish journalist said that in Spain, people can leave their homes once a day for three hours either in the morning or evening within a 1-km radius. They can go to grocery stores or pharmacies only, and of course, they cannot travel to another city or around the country.

Indonesia has instituted social distancing measures such as online classes, telecommuting, restriction of human movement, a partial lockdown and a requirement for wearing a mask when leaving the house. But other countries have shown a higher rate of recovery, especially Korea, and thus have applied a new normal to their daily lives.

Despite a recent resurgence of coronavirus cases, Korea applied the TRUST (transparency, robust screening and quarantine, universal applicable testing, strict control and treatment) strategy, though social distancing restrictions have been reimposed in certain areas.

Though a new normal is possible under the right conditions, Indonesia must prove that the pandemic has been controlled within its borders. The next step is to confirm whether the Indonesian public health system can sufficiently identify, isolate, test, contact trace and quarantine patients. And people must practice basic safeguards like frequently washing their hands with soap, wearing a mask outside of the house, keeping a safe distance and avoiding crowds.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.