There is no reason to panic, as the government has ensured the stocks of basic necessities and medicinesJakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has assured the public that the nation’s stocks of foodstuffs and medicines are sufficient and that people should not panic by stockpiling them.
Additionally, the government has coordinated with the association of retailers to prevent the public from purchasing foodstuffs in bulk at retail markets, he said after meeting President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace here on Tuesday.
Public panic leading to the massive purchase of foodstuffs followed the government's announcement on the country's first two confirmed cases of coronavirus or Covid-19 on Monday.
Airlangga said the government has asked the association to ensure the stocks of foodstuffs so that the public will remain calm and protect themselves from the transmission of Covid-19.
"There is no reason to panic, as the government has ensured the stocks of basic necessities and medicines," he said.
He also asked the sellers of foodstuff and medicines not to drastically increase prices, noting that the government will control prices of foodstuffs and medicines to ensure the public’s needs.
"Mask sellers must not raise prices excessively. If residents are not ill, they should not wear masks. So only those who are ill can wear masks," he said.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government has stockpiled enough supplies for the public for one year.
"The public should remain calm. Anyway, the government has anticipated the stocks of foodstuffs for one year. So if everyone cooperates, the stocks will be enough," she said.
(INE)
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Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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