Jakarta (ANTARA) - City's bus rapid transit service TransJakarta said starting Saturday (June 10), it has allowed passengers to not wear masks while onboard because the COVID-19 situation has been improving.

"Based on the directive from the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Jakarta Transportation Office, all TransJakarta customers are allowed not to wear masks in our fleet," TransJakarta Corporate Secretary and Public Relations Apriastini Bakti Bugiansri remarked here on Sunday.

She explained the policy is based on circular letter No. 26/2023 concerning health protocols on mass transportation during the transition period to endemic.

TransJakarta passengers can remove their masks when onboard. However, it advises passengers who feel sick to keep wearing masks.

"(It is allowed to remove masks) if passengers are in good health and are not at risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19. However, if customers feel unwell, it is recommended to wear masks," Bugiansri said.

In addition, passengers are encouraged to always bring hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and running water after touching objects.

"And it is urged to keep distance if you are in an unhealthy condition or at risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19," she added.

Earlier, the COVID-19 Handling Task Force issued a new adjusted health protocol circular for the COVID-19 endemic transition period as pandemic conditions have been controlled.

The circular keeps pushing the public to obtain the full dose of vaccination, or until the second booster shot, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly and those who have comorbidities.

It also allows healthy people to not wear masks but recommends wearing masks for the otherwise.

Through the circular, the task force also recommends the public use the SATUSEHAT app to monitor personal health.

Then, local governments together with managers and operators of transportation facilities, public facilities, and large-scale events are encouraged to protect the community through preventive efforts to control COVID-19 transmissions.

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Translator: Siti N, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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