NDO/VNA - President Joko Widodo has called on all Indonesians to prepare to live together with COVID-19 because this pandemic will soon become endemic.

COVID would be endemic when the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease becomes a permanent presence in the community and continues to circulate among people.

In an Instagram post, President Widodo emphasised preparations for living together with COVID-19.

Since the past year and a half, Indonesia has struggled to cope with COVID-19, he said, adding the situation has improved recently, as reflected through a decrease in the hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR). Restrictions on community activities (PPKM) have been loosened in many areas, while shopping malls, churches, tourist attractions have begun to reopen and schools have begun to organise in-person classes.

He asked people to remain vigilant as many social restrictions have been eased.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government plans to continue easing preventive measures, including allowing people to travel across the state before mid-October.

Chairman of Malaysia's National Recovery Council Muhyiddin Yassin said that the government expected to allow people to travel across the state in early or mid-October. At that time, the vaccinations among people aged 18 years and above reached nearly 90%. However, everyone must still follow the Standard Order of Operation (SOP).

Malaysia maintains a ban on interstate travel, allowing only cross-district travel and implementing a "tourist bubble" in Langkawi Island for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.