Jakarta Covid-19 Restrictions Extended for Another Two Weeks

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has extended the less restrictive transitory large scale social distancing phase for the Indonesian capital by another 14 days after Covid-19 cases surged by more than 1,000 to over 15,000 people this week.

“We will extend large scale social distancing until July 30. This [measure] will go into effect on Friday, July 17,” Anies said in a live feed on YouTube on Thursday, July 16.

“I urge the public to comply with existing health protocols, such as wearing masks and social distancing, during this large-scale social distancing phase. We all have to be disciplined to contain Covid-19.”

Also read: Jakarta's Reopening Still at 50 Percent Capacity until July 16

A number of officials, including Jakarta regional legislator Basri Baco of the Golkar Party, attribute the recent surge to public indifference towards health protocols and the lax enforcement by the authorities.

A number of businesses are expected to feel the pinch from the Jakarta provincial administration’s decision to extend large-scale social distancing.

Also read: Jakarta Governor to Sharpen Focus of Scrutiny Ahead of New Normal

“Cinemas, gyms and other indoor places that are expected to open at the end of the month will remain closed until conditions improve.”

Anies added that the closures will not apply to outdoor attractions, such as green spaces and tourist sights, which reopened during the current large scale social distancing phase.

Also read: Cinemas to Reopen for Business in Indonesia on July 29

Anies has extended the less stringent transitory large-scale social distancing policy for the third time, since he first imposed it on June 5. The policy is the first of two planned phases before Jakarta enters the new normal phase.

Jakarta currently has 15,466 Covid-19 cases. 722 people died in the outbreak, while 9,857 others have recovered from the coronavirus.

(Writers: Nursita Sari, Ryana Aryadita Umasugi | Editors : Nursita Sari, Sandro Gatra)

Sources: 
https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/07/16/20162661/psbb-transisi-di-jakarta-diperpanjang-sampai-30-juli-2020?page=all#page2. 

https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/07/16/11303361/psbb-transisi-di-jakarta-dinilai-tak-efektif-masyarakat-semakin-tak?page=all#page2.