Gov’t Extends Public Activity Restrictions Following Increase in Omicron Cases

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan delivers press statement after joining a virtual limited meeting on the evaluation of public activity restrictions, Monday (01/22). (Photo by: PR/ Agung)

In a bid to keep COVID-19 pandemic under control, the Government has decided to extend period of public activity restrictions (PPKM) in the islands of Java and Bali.

In addition, agglomeration area of the Greater Jakarta implements PPKM level 2.

“Jakarta is considered an agglomeration unit of the Greater Jakarta by the Government,” Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said in his press statement after joining a virtual limited meeting on the evaluation of public activity restrictions, Monday (01/22).

Luhut further said that in the past week there has been an increasing trend in patients infected with the highly transmissible Omicron variant in Java and Bali, particularly in the Greater Jakarta.

The cases, he added, are mostly local transmitted cases since imported cases only contributed 10 percent of the national total cases.

According to the Minister, there is also an increase in positivity rate confirmed by PCR test to nine percent. Nevertheless, transmission of COVID-19 in Indonesia has not increased exponentially. This can be seen from low daily mortality rate in Java and Bali in the last 14 days and from bed occupancy rate (BOR) at hospitals which is considered much lower compared to when the country faced Delta wave.

In term of the effective reproductive number (Rt), there is also an increase in that two islands.

“The Government will remain vigilant because the effective reproductive number (Rt) has increased. Currently, the Rt in Java increased to 1 and in Bali has exceeded 1,” he said.

On that occasion, Luhut asserted that in general, the pandemic in Indonesia is still under control since confirmed and active cases are much lower than that of Delta variant. However, he reminded the public to remain vigilant against the potential increase in Omicron cases projected from South Africa Omicron trajectory.

“Under that consideration, we urge the public to be more aware. Keep implementing the health protocols: always wearing face mask, limiting unnecessary activities outside, and always using PeduliLindungi app while visiting public spaces,” he stated. (DND/AIT/UN) (RAS/MUR)