Any slightest negligence that we do will lead to a spike in cases in the next few weeks.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Just 11 districts/cities in Java-Bali regions were still implementing Level 4 public activity restrictions (PPKM) as of September 5, 2021, Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has informed.

"The condition in Java-Bali regions continues to show significant improvement. It is indicated by fewer districts/cities which are at PPKM Level 4. As of September 5, 2021, only 11 districts/cities in the regions were at PPKM Level 4; meanwhile, previously there were 25 districts/cities," he said at an online press conference originating from here on Monday.

Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the number of areas implementing Level 2 PPKM: from 27 to 43 districts/cities, he said.

Among the agglomeration areas, Yogyakarta Province has managed to downgrade to Level 3 PPKM, while Bali Province still has to endure another week of Level 4 PPKM due to the high number of patients in hospitals, the minister said.

Related news: Surabaya targets lowering its PPKM level from 2 to 1

"I contacted the Bali Governor last night to solve the problem together," he added.

Overall, the indicators of pandemic transmission -- comprising the addition of COVID-19 confirmed cases, the number of patients in hospitals, and the mortality rate -- have continued to improve, he noted.

"The improvement is certainly something we should be grateful for – which is the result of all of our hard work," he remarked.

However, Pandjaitan reiterated that the current achievement must not lead to euphoria where health protocols are ignored.

"Any slightest negligence that we do will lead to a spike in cases in the next few weeks. It is something we have to avoid," he emphasized.

In addition, he cited the example of a health protocol violation that occurred a few days ago in a restaurant in Jakarta, which led to the place being closed for three days.

There are still many restaurants that have not implemented the PeduliLindungi app, he noted. "Although the implementation is for our common safety," he said.

Related news: Easing of restrictions combined with health protocol adherence: govt

Translator: Ade Junida, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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