"The government is still committed to giving maximal protection to citizens, improving the quality of COVID-19 handling, and tightening mobility rules during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, which can potentially cause an increase in (virus) transmission," government spokesperson for COVID-19 Handling, Reisa Broto Asmoro, said at a virtual press conference, accessed from here on Friday.
She assured that controls are being implemented, starting from international arrivals to the district and city level.
Conditions for arrivals from abroad have also been tightened with a negative PCR test result taken two days before departure and a ten-day quarantine after arrival now mandatory, she pointed out.
People undertaking domestic long-distance travel must also be fully vaccinated and have tested negative in an antigen test taken one day before departure, she added.
Related news: Gov't makes full vaccination year-end travel requirement
All new year's celebrations in hotels, malls, tourist attractions, and other public places have been prohibited, Asmoro noted.
In addition, public facilities have been asked to use the PeduliLindungi application and limit their visitor capacity, she said.
"Just like what President Joko Widodo has instructed since the beginning of the vaccination program in January 2021, we must always be disciplined in following the health protocols even though vaccines are available. We must always be disciplined in wearing masks, maintaining social distance, washing hands, avoiding crowds, reducing mobility," she added.
Collaboration between all regional governments is also necessary to aid efforts to maintain high rates of testing, close contact tracing, and treatment, and ensuring all target groups are fully vaccinated against the virus, she said.
Related news: Tightening rules becomes COVID-19 handling approach during holidays
Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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