We have to continue socializing it to the public since we don't know when the pandemic will end.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Trade Ministry explained the mandatory requirements of vaccination certificates and the application of health protocols for visitors, employees and merchants during the mall and shopping center reopening trial period from August 10 to 16, 2021.

"Visitors, employees, and merchants have to show their vaccination certificates in the PeduliLindungi app, which will also assist in monitoring their movement in shopping centers," said Oke Nurwan, Director-General of Domestic Trade at the Ministry, here on Thursday.

Those who are not vaccinated due to health reasons can bring their doctor’s recommendation letter and a negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours before shopping, or a negative real-time PCR test taken within 48 hours, he added.

“They also have to bring their ID card. Furthermore, test results have to be shown on a QR code to facilitate the checking process," he further added.

“Therefore, the mandatory requirement for vaccination certificates cannot be replaced by a negative COVID-19 test result. All these conditions are being adopted to curb the transmission of the pandemic,” he stressed.


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The trial is being carried out by the government, in collaboration with the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI), and will implemented in 85 malls in Jakarta, 23 malls in Bandung, six malls in Semarang, and 24 malls in Surabaya, Nurwan explained.

"This process also aims to create a new normal amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We have to continue promoting it to the public since we do not know when the pandemic will end," he further added.

Alphonzus Widaja, Head of APPBI, also urged the visitors, employees and merchants of malls to follow strict health protocols, such as having a body temperature below 37 degrees, wearing masks, washing or sanitizing hands, as well as carrying out social distancing.

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"We will continue to coordinate with the Trade Ministry and Health Ministry to improve the PeduliLindungi app system to facilitate the real implementation," he said.

He also hoped that the trial opening can help the recovery of micro and informal businesses around shopping centers and malls.

“During the trial period, shopping centers and malls are allowed to operate from 10:00 to 20:00 Indonesian Western Standard Time, with a maximum capacity of 25 per cent. Children under the age of 12 and elderly people over 70 are not allowed to enter. Meanwhile, cinemas, children's playgrounds and other entertainment venues are still closed,” he added.


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Translator: Sella Gareta, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021