"Many people (are complaining) because of this condition despite already having received cash social assistance and basic necessities," Akmarawita Kadir from the Surabaya Provincial Legislative Assembly (DPRD) stated in Surabaya, Tuesday.
Kadir deemed the enforcement of community activity restrictions as still necessary on account of the sustained high bed occupancy rate at Surabaya hospitals. Several beds at ICUs were also occupied.
"Although the number of patients exposed to COVID-19 has started to decline, I think the imposition of community activity restrictions is still needed," he suggested.
Kadir emphasized that discipline in adhering to 5M health protocols -- wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility -- should be the main concern currently.
He stressed that the 5M health protocols were the key to curbing the transmission of COVID-19.
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Kadir also laid emphasis on the supervision of these small businesses. "If it is a food stall or coffee shop, for instance, the number of visitors must still be monitored. Do not create a crowd," he noted.
President Joko Widodo announced through the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel on Monday, August 2, that the government had decided to extend PPKM level 4 from August 3 to August 9, 2021, in several cities and districts based on several indicators of the cases recorded this week. Certain activities and mobility would be adjusted in accordance with the conditions of each region.
Not much has changed for regions where level 3 and level 4 were applied, as pointed out in Instruction of the Home Affairs Ministry to regional leaders on the extension of Level 4 PPKM.
Non-essential activities are still required to take place virtually. On other hand, essential activities may operate up to 50 percent of the normal capacity. Activities in critical sectors are allowed take place directly at 100 percent capacity while still adhering to strict health protocols.
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Translator: Abdul Hakim, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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