COVID-19: PSBB to be reintroduced in Jakarta

The large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) will be reintroduced in Jakarta from Sept 14, following the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the province.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan in a press conference via the government’s official website last night, announced that several socio-economic activities that were allowed during the PSBB transition phase from June 5, has now been cancelled.

PSBB was implemented in Jakarta from March 31 but later, following the first transition period on June 5, several socio-economic activities were allowed to resume.

Based on data posted on the Indonesian government's official website www.covid19.go.id regarding the COVID-19 situation yesterday, Jakarta province recorded the highest number of positive cases with 49,397 cases, including 1,004 new cases in the last 24 hours.

New positive cases have been on the rise, with an average of almost 1,000 cases a day, in the Jakarta province, since end August.

According to Anies, hospitals in Jakarta will reach its maximum capacity on Sept 17 if the trend continues.

"Jakarta residents will go back to remaining at home and carrying out their activities such as praying, working and studying from home," he said.

Anies said the odd even rule (for the use of private vehicles) would be stopped following the return of restrictions on public transport operations, which would be announced later.

Movement of people in and out of the city of Jakarta will also be restricted and further details will be announced later, he added.

-- BERNAMA