The cooperation is necessary to monitor the handling of the coronavirus outbreak in SurabayaSurabaya, E Java (ANTARA) - Some members of the Surabaya City Legislative Council (DPRD) emphasized forming a special committee to monitor handling of COVID-19 cases following a spike in those exposed to the virus in the East Java provincial capital.
Deputy Chairman of the Surabaya City Legislative Council A. Hermas Thony stated on Friday that the city administration was less transparent in handling the COVID-19 outbreak.
"When the legislative council sought data from the Surabaya city administration, they never responded to the request properly. The commissions (in the legislative council) have summoned (the city administration), but they never sent a report," he explained.
The proposal for setting up the special committee is part of the council’s efforts to protect the public from the coronavirus crisis, he noted, adding that the special committee can cooperate with the Surabaya City Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling.
"The cooperation is necessary to monitor the handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Surabaya. Hence, we can properly supervise the city administration and other agencies, such as the police, (in handling the virus)," he noted.
If the attempt to handle the COVID-19 outbreak is not based on a good roadmap, it will be fruitless since several residents have worked from home as part of the social distancing measure, and several companies have closed, he explained.
The Surabaya city government has instructed offices and companies to remain temporarily shut during the enforcement of large-scale social restriction measures to break the chain of the COVID-19 outbreak.
On the first and second days of this policy being applied, the authorities have continued to apply a soft approach by suggesting and educating those responsible for the offices and companies, Head of Surabaya's COVID-19 Task Force, Eddy Christijanto, stated here, Tuesday.
However, on the third day and thereafter, those found violating the 14-day social restriction measures would face sanctions, including possible revocation of business permits, he emphasized.
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Translator: Abdul Hakim/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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