Jakarta (ANTARA) - The current spike in COVID-19 cases in the capital city is fueled by the Eid al-Fitr mudik (homecoming) journeys during the long holidays in May 2021, according to Jakarta Deputy Governor Riza Patria.

"There are several reasons for an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, including the Eid al-Fitr mudik," Patria remarked here on Friday.

The deputy governor revealed that other contributing factors that led to the spike were intense pubic interactions and activities within and outside the city as well as foreign citizens entering Indonesia.

"This is because it has been opened for those, who have come from abroad in the last few weeks," he remarked.

Ignorance on the part of several people and non-compliance to health protocols were also causal to the rise in cases.

The governor cautioned that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic was far from over, so the public and local authorities must remain vigilant.

The Jakarta provincial authorities will not hesitate to take action against market managers, shopping centers, business places, factories, or communities found flouting health protocols, as they can potentially increase the number of COVID-19 cases, he remarked.

Patria also reminded Jakartans to stay disciplined in implementing health protocols, as the hospital occupancy rate had reached 65 percent owing to a spike in the number of COVID-19 patients.

Jakarta recorded the addition of 2,096 confirmed cases in a single day on Thursday, thereby bringing the tally to 440,554 cases, rising from 438,458 cases on the previous day, according to Jakarta's COVID-19 Handling Task Force.
Related news: 933 Eid returnees found reactive to COVID in Jakarta
Related news: Jakarta administers over 3.7 mln COVID jabs EDITED BY INE

Translator: Taufik R, Ricky P, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021