Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian police organized a free COVID-19 test program at the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex area in Central Jakarta on Sunday as Jakartans flocked to the Sudirman-MH Thamrin Streets to enjoy the Car Free Day after being suspended since March 15.

"I am happy to get this free rapid test because I am able to know whether or not I contract the novel coronavirus disease without spending my own money," said Yuli, one of the local residents who participated in the police's COVID-19 test program.

The National Police provided 1,000 free rapid and swab test kits for the free medical service, organized to commemorate the National Police Day's (Hari Bhayangkara's) 74th anniversary.

Thanks to the police's free rapid and swab test facility, the community members did not need to spend their money for having the tests, Yuli said.

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According to Head of the National Police's Health Division Brig.Gen. Rusdianto, the free rapid and swab test program was not only organized in Jakarta but also in other cities across Indonesia.

The community members were just requested to take queue numbers for filling the personal identity forms, and wait for their turns. If any of them got "reactive results" for their rapid testing, they would receive swab tests to ensure their final condition, he said.

On Sunday morning, Jakartans again flocked to the Sudirman-MH Thamrin Streets to do bicycle riding and outdoor exercise as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta Government resumed the Car Free Day (CFD).

This weekly event returned on Sunday morning amid declining rate of new confirmed novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country's capital city over the past week.

Before being suspended by the Jakarta provincial government since March 15 to break the chain of COVID-19 pandemic, many Jakartans are used to taking advantage of the CFD to enjoy their Sunday morning with their kids, family members, and friends.

Despite the declining rate of confirmed cases in the city, the Jakarta Transportation and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers who secure the CFD urged the residents doing exercise to remain cautious with the mandatory COVID-19 protocols.

"Please, carrying kids is not allowed," said one of the Satpol PP officer.

The Jakartans and anyone who join the capital city's CFD are ordered to practice the healthcare and COVID-19 protocols, such as maintaining recommended physical and social distancing measures, wearing face masks, and staying clean.

Vulnerable people, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and kids under nine years old are required to remain at home and stay fit instead of joining the CFD.

Jakarta has officially been declared a COVID-19-affected area in Indonesia following the central government's confirmation of the country's first cases on March 2 this year.

Coronavirus infections initially emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of 2019. Since then, COVID-19 has spread to over 202 countries and territories, including Indonesia, with a massive spurt in death toll.

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Translator: Fauzi, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Sri Haryati
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