Right now, I have issued lockdown orders for some seven thousand RTs. Now, we will only supervise the implementation of the orders soon.
Batang, C Java (ANTARA) - Central Java’s governor has asked the military and police to help implement a lockdown in around seven thousand neighborhood associations (RTs) categorized as red zones, or areas with high COVID-19 transmission risk, in the province.

"Right now, I have issued lockdown orders for some seven thousand RTs. Now, we will only supervise the implementation of the orders soon," Governor Ganjar Pranowo said during a visit to Kalisari General Regional Hospital (RSUD) in Batang district, Central Java on Tuesday.

The lockdown is part of efforts to contain increasing COVID-19 transmission in Central Java, he informed.

"I appeal to the public to wear masks and avoid crowds. Based on the instruction of the Home Affairs Ministry, no more than three people are allowed to assemble," he said.

He also suggested that people worship at their home for the time being.

If the public can stay at home for 14 days, they can help contain the spread of COVID-19 infections, which have shown a sharp increase, he said.

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"The COVID-19 transmission has been quite extreme. Therefore, the chief of the provincial police and the commander of the regional military command have ordered the babinsa (village supervisory noncommissioned officers) and babinkamtibnas (public order and security maintenance agency) officers to help conduct patrols,” the governor added.

The bed occupancy rates in isolation rooms at hospitals has reached an alarming level following a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, he said.

"At this moment, it has reached above 80 percent, so (hospitals) need to increase the number of beds soon," he informed.

The governor also requested the Batang district administration to prepare emergency hospitals or tents to help treat COVID-19 patients.

The Batang district head said the hospital currently has 24 COVID-14 patients. Hence, the local government should prepare emergency hospitals or tents, he added.

Central Java, which recorded 244,241 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Saturday (June 26, 2021), is ranked third after Jakarta and West Java in terms of the COVID-19 case count. (INE)


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Translator: Kutnadi/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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