Antara, Jakarta – The Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora), Zainudin Amali, asserted that the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON Papua) will continue to run as scheduled albeit a number of athletes and officials tested positive for COVID-19.

"The games will continue while maintaining the health protocols according to the predetermined rules," said Zainudin in his official statement, Wednesday, October 6.

The first case of COVID-19 during the implementation of the national games was found in Timika and the number even increased.

According to the spokesman for the Papua COVID-19 Task Force (SGPP) Silwanus Sumule, 29 people were infected with the virus, consisting of athletes, officials and committee members. In detail, 13 people in Timika, seven people in Jayapura Regency, six people in Jayapura City, and three people in Merauke.

Zainudin also said he would summon the supervision and steering committee (Panwasrah) and PB PON to discuss this issue.

PON Papua has carried out the predetermined health protocols, including mandatory PCR tests and negative results before athletes and officials entering the easternmost province of Indonesia yet the virus continues to spread.

Thus, Zainudin said the Youth and Sports encouraged the campaign for the 3M health protocol discipline and the COVID-19 vaccination of at least one dose.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1514291/sports-minister-on-29-covid-19-cases-during-pon-papua-games-continu