Indonesia to Reinstate Tighter Measures If Covid-19 Cases Spike

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Parts of Indonesia recently transitioned into the new normal amidst a continued rise of Covid-19 cases nationally.

A reemergence of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia is poised to mean the retightening of measures according to President Joko Widodo.

“Let this be a reminder that if there’s an increase in new Covid-19 cases, we will reinstate tighter measures or undergo lockdown again,” stated Jokowi during a visit to the National Covid-19 Task Force Office in Jakarta.

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Jokowi has also asked regional heads who have implemented a new normal phase to routinely evaluate the situation on the ground.

Reopening the economy is a complex move when there has yet to be a vaccine or effective treatment to treat the novel Covid-19 virus.

Jokowi stressed the importance of turning to epidemiological data before regional heads loosen measures.

The President has suggested the idea of consulting with the National Covid-19 Task Force for regions that are interested in welcoming the new normal.

Timing plays an important role in successfully mitigating Covid-19 cases during the new normal phase.

There is always the risk of new virus hotspots or an increase of infections if the new normal is initiated prematurely.