"We will not relax (restrictions) in all areas immediately. There will be a gradual opening of sectors and activities and not 100 percent at once," the head of state noted in his directives during a visit to the Office of the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling at the National Disaster Management Agency Building in Jakarta, Wednesday.
The head of state remarked that 50 percent of the area in some regions had been reopened. Periodic evaluation will be conducted in some regions that have already relaxed restrictions.
The president also lauded the move to open places of worship while continuing to abide by the health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Widodo also urged his staff to focus on priorities in the implementation of the new normal order in economic sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, plantation, manufacturing, construction, oil industry, and mining, with low COVID-19 transmission rate and have a high economic impact.
Furthermore, he highlighted the criticality of stringent new normal preconditions, including by continuing to extensively disseminate information on the significance of wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands, and avoiding overly crowded areas.
The president believed that through continual dissemination of such information, followed by well-conducted simulations, the people will be ready for the time when the new normal is appropriately implemented.
"I have also ordered the commander of the Military Forces and the National Police chief to deploy their personnel in regions in order to remind residents of the health protocol," the president stated. Related news: Routinely evaluate implementation of new normal protocols: Jokowi
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Translator: Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga/Ari
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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