[ad_1]
From shirtless soldiers to teenagers basking in the sun at their parents’ driveways, Indonesians are soaking up rays like never before in hopes that abundant sunlight will prevent the coronavirus.
The rush to start a practice generally associated with foreigners bound for Bali has been fueled by unfounded claims on social media that the sunlight and vitamin D it supplies can delay or kill the virus.
That hope received a boost last week when a senior US official said new research showed that sunlight quickly destroys the virus.
The study has not yet been independently evaluated, but United States President Donald Trump spoke enthusiastically at a press conference.
“I always avoided the sun before because I didn’t want to get a tan,” said Theresia Rikke Astria, 27.
one-year-old housewife in Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Indonesia.
“But I hope this strengthens my immune system.”
Doctors have their doubts, but they say a 15-minute blast of morning sun may be good for you.
“Exposing the body to direct sunlight is good for getting vitamin D, not for directly preventing the disease,” said Dr. Dirga Sakti Rambe of Omni Pulomas Hospital in Jakarta.
Vitamin D, which comes from exposure to fish, eggs, milk and sunlight, is important for maintaining a healthy immune system, he said, but added: “Sunbathing doesn’t kill the virus that causes Covid-19.” .
Regardless of science, one thing is for sure: There is no shortage of sun in the 5,000km long Southeast Asian tropical archipelago.
The upheaval in the open air has prompted the Indonesian government to warn of the dangers of skin cancer and calls on newbies seeking sun protection.
It was a rare precaution in a place where sunbathing was not widely practiced and beauty product commercials extolled the virtues of fair skin. In major cities, residents congregate in neighborhoods filled with narrow, dark alleys to open areas, including commuter rail tracks, where they can catch some lightning without obstruction.
It’s a mixed bag of women in hijabs with rolled sleeves and pants, shirtless male teens and crumpled retirees, all clamoring for sunlight as the strange train flies by. “I just started sunbathing regularly since the pandemic,” Alfian, who has a name, said near the train tracks in Tangerang.
“Later, I take a shower and my body feels more fit.”
Pensioner Wadianto Wadito, who suffers from heart disease and diabetes, believes he can use all the help he can get.
“Anyway, I’m already taking a lot of medications, so now I’m sunbathing to take all my vitamins without taking more pills,” said the 65-year-old man. – AFP
[ad_2]
