The statement was delivered by Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate with regard to the easing of PPKM (public activities restrictions) in Jakarta to Level 2.
With the relaxation, the limits on the number of public transport passengers have been lifted, he noted.
"We must remain vigilant to avoid the risk of cases spike. This (spike in cases) is already happening in European countries such as the UK and Russia," Plate said in a press statement issued here on Saturday.
The community has started to carry out economic activities and travel by using public transportation such as the Commuter Line (KRL), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and buses, he noted.
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The Jakarta provincial government is no longer restricting the number of passengers on public transportation, he added
The regulation is stipulated in the Jakarta Governor's Decree No. 1245 of 2021 concerning PPKM Level 2, which will be valid from Tuesday (October 19, 2021) to Monday (November 1, 2021).
Although public transportation in the capital has been allowed to operate at maximum capacity, the maximum capacity of the Commuter Line (KRL) is still capped at32 percent, the minister said.
This is in reference to circular No. 89 of 2021 issued by the Ministry of Transportation, which has been applied from Thursday (October 21).
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The circular letter regulates the maximum capacity of intercity rail passengers, Commuter Line, and local trains, Plate said. The maximum capacity for intercity railways has been set at 70 percent and for KRL and local railways operating in the agglomeration area, it is 32 percent and 50 percent, respectively.
Minister Plate also explained that the easing of community activities in Jakarta was considered due to the decline in COVID-19 cases and significant vaccination coverage in the Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi) area.
"The government urges the public to be disciplined in applying health protocols when doing activities and traveling," he stressed.
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He also reiterated that wearing a mask is very important to prevent droplets from the nose and mouth to be expelled into the air. The SARS-COV-2 virus is not visible to the naked eye, so the use of masks is a form of protection for oneself and others, he explained.
For maximum protection, people must continue to wear double masks, he said. When choosing masks, it needs to be considered whether they have good filtration, fit on the face, and allow for comfortable breathing, he added.
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Translator: Suryanto, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
