Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto highlighted central government’s instruction to tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Jakarta and 23 districts and cities in Bali, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java to curb cases.

"The regional heads are expected to issue regulations, both gubernatorial and regional head," Hartarto noted during a virtual press conference here on Thursday.

The minister cited that the Bali governor had issued a circular on the tightening of COVID-19 restrictions on January 11-25, 2021, in line with the Home Affairs Ministry's Instruction No. 1 of 2021.

The Jakarta governor is expected to issue a follow-up regulation on Thursday, so other provinces, including Banten, West Java, and East Java, must also follow suit, Hartarto emphasized.

The minister urged regional governments to deploy civil service police to aid in enforcing health protocols.

COVID-19 clusters were not only found in offices but also in markets and families, he noted.

The minister urged the public to not venture outdoors except for emergency reasons.

"If it is not necessary, please stay at home. Do not go to public places, as they are closed," he stated.

Restrictions will be fully tightened in Jakarta and its adjoining areas, including Bogor City, Bogor District, Depok, Bekasi City, and Bekasi’s districts, the minister affirmed. In Banten Province, restrictions will be tightened in Tangerang City, Tangerang District, South Tangerang, and Tangerang Raya.

In West Java Province, the measures will be imposed in Bandung, West Bandung District, and Cimahi District, in addition to Bogor and Bekasi, which are suburban areas of Jakarta.

In Central Java, restrictions will be tightened in Semarang Raya, Solo Raya, and Banyumas Raya.

Imposition of measures will be carried out in Gunung Kidul District, Sleman District, and Kulon Progo in Yogyakarta.

Tighter restrictions will be applied in Malang Raya and Surabaya Raya in East Java.

Moreover, restrictions will be tightened in Denpasar City and Badung District in Bali.

The measures comprise restrictions on working at office by implementing the work-from-home policy as much as 75 percent while applying stringent health protocols.

All teaching and learning activities will be entirely conducted online.

Places of worship are allowed to open but restricted to only 50 percent of their capacity and should implement strict health protocols.

Essential sectors related to basic needs are permitted to fully operate by regulating operating hours and capacities and applying strict health protocols.

Shopping centers and malls will be allowed to operate until 7 p.m. local time.

Restaurants are allowed to open with a maximum space capacity of 25 percent for dine-in, while takeaways or delivery orders are permitted.

Construction activities are fully permitted by implementing stringent health protocols.
Related news: Minister announces tighter COVID-19 restrictions in Java, Bali
Related news: Recurring micro lockdowns would prove more effective: President


EDITED BY INE

Translator: Dewa KSW, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021