Jakarta (ANTARA) - University of Indonesia epidemiologist Tri Yunis Miko urged the Jakarta provincial government to re-evaluate the implementation of face-to-face learning, with full capacity, amid the increasing number of Omicron cases.

“The reason is that there’s no difference between level one and level two of public activity restrictions (PPKM) in the implementation of face-to-face learning,” he noted here on Tuesday.

Miko opined that the implementation of face-to-face learning should follow the level of PPKM imposed and not like now where there is no adjustment in face-to-face learning despite the level of PPKM in Jakarta having increased, from level one to two.

He expressed optimism that the implementation of face-to-face learning, with 100-percent capacity, will be evaluated, including regarding its mechanism.

He noted that implementing face-to-face learning was achievable on grounds that students take turns during learning in class. For instance, half the students will partake in offline classes for the initial three hours, while the remaining 50 percent will partake in the activity in the next hours, he explained.

Related news: Jakarta imposes micro lockdown amid Omicron spread

The epidemiologist expressed hope that the Jakarta government would emulate other regions, such as Bogor and Depok, that had decided to delay the implementation of face-to-face learning, with 100-percent capacity.

Earlier, Deputy Governor of Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria noted that his side had not reduced the capacity of face-to-face learning, as Jakarta had met the requirements for implementing face-to-face learning, with 100-percent capacity

"We cannot decide everything alone. We also decide jointly with the central government. In principle, the government will pay attention to all. Experts and even the public may provide recommendations," Patria noted at the Jakarta City Hall on Monday.

Meanwhile, Head of Public Relations of the Jakarta Education Office, Taga Radja Gah, noted on a separate occasion that 100 percent face-to-face learning could be changed if the PPKM in Jakarta leveled up.

According to data from the Provincial Government of Jakarta, as of Monday, January 10, 2022, the number of Omicron cases has reached 407, comprising 350 imported cases and 57 patients that had contracted the virus from local transmission.
Related news: Jakarta to continue full offline schooling despite Omicron spread

Translator: Dewa Ketut, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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