KBRN, Medan: Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has announced the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) that broke out in China has entered Indonesia. However, mask-wearing remains non-mandatory for public transport passengers, including trains.

State-owned Railway Company (KAI) Regional Division I North Sumatra ensures that for boarding trains it still applies the old rules.

Public Relations Manager of KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra Anwar Solikhin said that the government had not yet issued the latest rules for train boarding requirements. Passengers now just need to show ownership of a boarding pass ticket that matches their identity and destination.

“Passengers also do not need to show COVID-19 test results or vaccine certificates and are not required to wear masks. If there are passengers who feel unwell, they are advised to do a health check before boarding the train,” Anwar said as quoted by rri.co.id on Sunday.

If during the train trip, there are passengers who feel unwell, they can call the officer and be directed for a medical examination. Anwar said that KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra prepared 4 health posts that can be utilized by passengers.

“There are at Medan Station, Tebing Tinggi, Kisaran, and Rantau Prapat. In addition, there are also KAI-owned Health Clinics around the station that can be utilized by train passengers to conduct examinations. There are health clinics in Binjai and Siantar,” he said.

For prevention purposes, KAI ensures that before the train operates, the exterior and interior are cleaned with materials that can kill germs. Fumigation is also carried out on the train.

“KAI is committed to providing healthy, safe, and comfortable transportation for passengers. If there is a new policy from the government regarding the rules for boarding the train, we are open to supporting all government policies,” he said.

The KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra also appeals to train passengers not to be worried about the HMPV virus that has entered Indonesia. KAI North Sumatra will always prioritize passenger safety and applicable regulations from the government. ***