"Since the number of cases continue to decline, the public is advised not to become negligent, as there is always a likelihood of the number of cases rising again," Ahmad noted in a written statement here on Tuesday.
The number of COVID-19 cases as of Monday increased by 2,577, the lowest figure since July 2021. However, the public is advised to still exercise caution.
Ahmad noted that the number of COVID-19 cases had steadily declined as the government continued to consistently impose restrictions on community activities (PPKM).
A decline in the number of COVID-19 cases is also the positive outcome of the implementation of PPKM policies and the vaccination program being steadily pursued by the government. The two policies will be maximized if the community remains disciplined in implementing health protocols.
Related news: Follow health protocols to prevent surge in COVID-19 cases: Ministry
"The PPKM does focus on regulating community mobility. Now, it is just a matter of how the mobility regulation is tightened according to the PPKM level applied in each region," he stated.
Rules in implementing the protocols must be enforced to accelerate the decline in COVID-19 cases. "If (people) violate it, they must be subject to fines or sanctions, while people, who are disciplined, must also be commended," he noted.
The government has decided to extend PPKM again until September 20, 2021. Head of the PPKM Task Force for Java-Bali Islands, Luhut Pandjaitan, spoke of the government continuing to enforce PPKM on Java and Bali islands as well as other areas of the island, with weekly evaluations conducted.
"The president has called on us to not end this PPKM until the number of COVID-19 cases is brought under control," he stated.
He also appealed to people in areas, with declining cases, to continue to implement strict health protocols so as not to trigger an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Related news: Remain disciplined in following health protocols, Jokowi urges
Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
