Food Distribution Program Applies Physical Distancing

Writer :

Koesworo Setiawan, Nia Annisa

Translator :

Putri D

MAMUJU (March 28, 2020) - The Ministry of Social Affairs ensures the implementation of health protocols in every activity is going well, both at the central and regional levels, so that the spread of the COVID-19 virus is not widespread. One of them is by applying physical distancing to reduce the risk of transmission.

In particular, Juliari reminded that the application of physical distancing is important to be considered in the type of activity that involve many people. For example, in the distribution of social assistance, including the Groceries Program.

“The distribution of Groceries Program has the potential to gather a lot of people. I ask the facilitator to work together with elements in the region, including with regional governments to ensure that physical distancing protocols can be applied. So that a well-intentioned activity, i.e. handing over social assistance to the community, does not actually pose a health risk, "said Minister Ari, Jakarta, Saturday (3/28/2020).

Provisions on physical distancing run well in the distribution of social assistance in a number of areas. In Central Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province, in the distribution of the Groceries Program the physical distancing provisions were applied.

In collaboration with social service officer, the facilitator of food assistance prevents people from flocking to e-Warong. The Beneficiary Family (KPM) is scheduled in rotation using sequential numbers.

"we make a schedule for disbursement of social assistance for kpm. The goal is to avoid the crowd. This is in accordance with the central government's recommendation regarding physical distancing, "said Head of the Central Mamuju Regency Social Service Agency Asmirah Djamal, recently.

There are 3,200 KPM of Groceries programs in Central Mamuju Regency and 17 e-Warong. Groceries Program Facilitator also plays an active role so that the distribution runs smoothly and in accordance with physical distancing provisions.

In addition to implementing physical distancing, the facilitators also called for each e-Warong to provide cleaning facilities such as water tanks, soap for washing hands, and also hand sanitizers to maintain cleanliness.

For regions that are geographically difficult to reach e-Warong, the Groceries Program Facilitator, coordinating with the local Social Service conduct a ball pick-up system. Thus, none of the KPM's rights were not fulfilled in accessing the assistance program in this difficult time.

"For those who are geographically difficult to reach e-Warong, we deliver the food assistance," said Regional Coordinator of the Central Mamuju District Basic Food Supply Program, Fahri Mansyur.

In addition, education for constant hygiene, sneezing and coughing etiquette, and advocacy for handshakes were also provided to the KPM.

Previously the Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed raising the value of the nine-basic necessities program assistance from Rp150,000 to Rp200,000 over the next 6 months (March-August). The goal is that people with the lowest economy can still meet their basic needs in times of economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

With the increase in the Groceries Program index, it is hoped that the lowest economic community will be able to meet the daily nutritional needs and increase endurance to ward off the negative effects of the corona virus.

Bureau of Public Relations

Ministry of Social Affairs

2020-03-28
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