Our epidemiology data has become increasingly clear. We will analyze it later to propose (the implementation of PSBB) to the Health Ministry.
Manado, N Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The North Sulawesi provincial government plans to suggest the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the province under the efforts to contain the transmission of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a spokesman stated.

"Our epidemiology data has become increasingly clear. We will analyze it later to propose (the implementation of PSBB) to the Health Ministry," spokesman for the North Sulawesi Provincial Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling Steaven Dandel stated here on Thursday.

The province reported a total of 44 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Wednesday evening (April 29). According to the provincial government's official website, 27 of the COVID-19 patients are receiving treatment, 14 have recovered, and three have died of the virus.

In North Sulawesi, 25 COVID-19 cases were found in Manado, six each in Tomohon and Mobagu City, three in Bitung, two in North Minahasa, and one each in Sangihe Islands and Minahasa.

"The confirmed coronavirus cases are found in seven out of the 15 districts and municipalities (in the province)," he stated.

In comparison with neighboring Gorontalo Province, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in North Sulawesi rose rapidly, with 15 confirmed coronavirus cases reported in the past week, he pointed out.

So far, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putran has approved the imposition of PSBB in Jakarta; Bekasi District/Municipality, Depok City, and Bogor District/Municipality in West Java; Tangerang District/Municipality and South Tangerang City in Banten; Pekanbaru in Riau, Greater Surabaya in East Java and Makassar in South Sulawesi.

PSBB can be imposed in a region at the approval of the health minister. It is effective for a period of 14 days and can be extended if the authorities continue to come across cases of virus transmissions in the region.

Following the issuance of a ministerial decree, a governor’s regulation should be issued to serve as a form of technical guidance on the implementation of PSBB.

The health minister has rejected proposals for according PSBB status to some regions, including Bolaang Mongondow District in North Sulawesi, Fakfak District and Sorong City in Papua, Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan, and Rote Ndao District in East Nusa Tenggara.

The regions have not been able to impose restrictions as they are yet to meet the criteria set for PSBB.
Related news: Reduced traffic on Java roads after applying PSBB

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Translator: Karel Alexander Polakitan/Suha
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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