Just like on other weekends, we will strictly enforce the PeduliLindungi application requirement because, at present, we are only restricting access (to tourist attractions) instead of completely closing themYogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Yogyakarta municipal public order security agency (Satpol PP) has prepared several measures to maintain health protocol enforcement amid an anticipated tourist surge this weekend due to the Isra Mi'raj holiday on Monday (February 28).
"Just like on other weekends, we will strictly enforce the PeduliLindungi application requirement because, at present, we are only restricting access (to tourist attractions) instead of completely closing them," Satpol PP's head of public order and peace department, Rikardo Putra Mukti Wibawa, said here on Friday.
Municipal security officers will inspect business establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, to monitor adherence to the PeduliLindungi application requirement during the period, he informed.
"Almost all of the business establishments in Yogyakarta have set up the required PeduliLindungi application, yet perhaps the compliance is declining; hence, we need to enhance our effort (to monitor compliance)," Wibawa said.
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The municipal security agency will also conduct routine patrols in areas that have potential for crowding, such as Tugu Yogyakarta statue, the City Square, the city's kilometer zero point, and Malioboro Street, he added.
“Health protocols at crowded places are essential. Visitors must continue using masks and maintaining social distancing," the official said.
Wibawa confirmed that security officers will also conduct random screenings of tourists to check their vaccination status.
Around 150 municipal security officers will be deployed during the long holiday, he said adding it is difficult to predict whether a tourist surge would occur during the holiday period or not.
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Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Yogyakarta, Heroe Poerwadi, said that tourists and visitors will need to adhere to the enforced travel requirement as the city will not restrict incoming travelers.
"Health protocol enforcement remains essential. Though COVID-19 infections in some areas are declining, some other areas are still under Level 4 activities restrictions enforcement (PPKM). We also need to remember that the Omicron variant has a high infection rate," he stressed.
The deputy mayor reminded tourists and visitors to maintain their health and be prudent in interacting with other people, particularly people with vulnerabilities, such as children and the elderly.
"Maintaining the health protocols while traveling is also important to prevent the virus from spreading," Poerwadi added.
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Translator: Eka Arifa R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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