"These provinces are dominated by the islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi," he informed while delivering a report on the progress of handling COVID-19 on Tuesday. His presentation was streamed via BNPB's YouTube channel.
According to Adisasmito, almost all provinces in Sumatra have registered an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks, except Riau Islands, which has shown a decline in cases.
Meanwhile, in Kalimantan, all provinces have recorded an increase in COVID-19 cases, except West Kalimantan, which has experienced a decline in infections, he informed.
"In addition, on the island of Sulawesi, all provinces have also shown an increase for three weeks, except for Southeast Sulawesi and Gorontalo, which have experienced a decline," he added.
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Yogyakarta is the only area on the island of Java that has continued to see an increase in positive cases, Adisasmito said.
The increase in COVID-19 cases in most of these areas needs to be cause for a concern, he added.
"This increase can also occur because the local government and the community are careless and think the area is fine as they do not implement level 4 public activity restrictions (PPKM)," he explained.
Adisasmito then appealed to all local governments and communities from the provinces to immediately prepare for a rise in COVID-19 cases.
"With an increase in COVID-19 cases for approximately the last three weeks, it is necessary to anticipate and prepare all health service facilities in their respective regions," he said.
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President Joko Widodo had on Monday announced that level 4 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) had been further extended until August 9, 2021 considering the COVID-19 situation in the country.
"Considering several COVID-19 cases indicators this week, the enforcement of PPKM level 4 will be extended in certain cities and districts. Community activity and mobility restrictions will be readjusted according to the situation of each area," he said in a statement broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat Youtube channel.
“PPKM level 4 implemented from July 26 to August 2, 2021 has suppressed the daily confirmed cases, active case rate, and bed occupancy ratio, while also improving the cure rate," he added.
“However, we cannot implement the same policy over a long duration. We always have to reconsider our policy according to the latest data in order to decide the right choice for both the health and economy sectors," he emphasized.
The head of state also expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian people for their understanding and support for the enforcement of PPKM.
"I really appreciate the participation and support of the volunteers and philanthropists who have helped the government in enforcing health protocols, facilitating self-isolation, and conducting other social programs," he said.
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Translator: Andi F, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
