Of course, we are ready. I think that is the better way.
Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) - Central Java is prepared for the imposition of emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM), in accordance with the central government's instructions, to deal with a surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Ganjar Pranowo has said.

"Of course, we are ready. I think that is the better way," he said after attending an online coordination meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, here on Wednesday.

However, the governor added that he is still awaiting guidance from the central government on implementing the emergency public activity restrictions.

"We are still waiting for the guidance. According to the information, it will be issued today (Wednesday)," he said.

Asked about preparations for the emergency public activity restrictions, he said the provincial government has tightened public activities through the Governor's Instruction Number 1 of 2021.

Several measures contained in the instruction align with the emergency public activity restrictions, he added.

"For instance, we have tightened (restrictions at) busy places and we will issue more detailed rules," he said.

Related news: Govt finalizing emergency restrictions to contain COVID spike: Jokowi

The governor had on Tuesday 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," 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.

He said the bed occupancy rates in isolation rooms at hospitals have nearly reached capacity following a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

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

Central Java, which has 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.

Related news: Police, TNI chiefs review implementation of COVID-19 restrictions

Translator: Wisnu Adhi N/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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