(Lockdown) across of Indonesia, I don't think it is necessary because it will affect economic stability.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Jazilul Fawaid opined that it is not the right time to impose a national lockdown over the coronavirus (COVID-19) break out.

"(Lockdown) across of Indonesia. I do not think it is necessary, as it will affect economic stability. Now, just reduce activities where people gather, such as in offices, campuses, meeting rooms, and schools," Fawaid noted in a statement here on Tuesday.

Lockdown could impact the national economy and trigger new panic, he noted.

He expressed concerns that the government and people would not be ready to face the risks arising from the lockdown, especially in Jakarta, which is the hub of the national economy and the center of governance.

Lockdown can be applied partially in certain districts or cities where COVID-19 cases are rampant. The politician of PKB Party also called for meticulous calculations on the negative and positive impacts of lockdown.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had stated that the government would not impose a lockdown but urged the public to exercise measures to maintain distance.

In the meantime, on Monday, five patients recovered from COVID-19 and were discharged from the Sulianti Saroso Hospital for Infectious Diseases, according to the hospital authorities.

"(Cases) 01, 02, and 03 have been discharged. (Cases) 10 and 11 have been discharged as well," chairman of the Sulianti Saroso Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mohammad Syahril, stated in Jakarta on Monday.

He noted that two other patients, who had tested positive for COVID-19 — Cases 23 and 27 —, have also recovered and will be discharged after a second test.

"Cases 23 and 27 will be discharged, as their tests have come back negative. Insya Allah (God Willing) by tomorrow morning, Cases 23 and 27 (will return home)," he added. Related news: House urges government to engage experts to contemplate on lockdown
Related news: Solo mayor declares emergency over coronavirus, shuts down schools



Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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