TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT Transportation Jakarta (Transjakarta) requires all passengers to use face masks when using public transportation services to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 starting next week, Sunday (12/4).

"Customers not wearing masks, are not allowed to enter the bus stop or use the bus. For the next 6 days, TransJakarta calls on all customers to prepare personal face masks," Transjakarta Corporate Secretary and Public Relation Division Head, Nadia Diposanjoyo said in a statement on Sunday.

The policy was taken by Transjakarta management considering that Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan issued Governor's Call number 9 in 2020 regarding the Use of Masks in Public Areas.

In the appeal, the recommended mask at least from two layers of cloth that can be washed and reused.

The policy is also expected to help reduce the circulation of medical masks in the community that is intended for medical personnel.

The application of the policy will be carried out in conjunction with other existing policies such as passenger restrictions, operational restrictions, to physical distance order among passengers.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in public spaces, TransJakarta has also provided hand washing liquid and portable sinks at shelters that still serve passengers.

"We also hope that customers always get used to washing hands frequently so that the spread of the COVID-19 virus can still be minimized. Likewise for the public to always follow the government's advice not to leave the house if there is not urgent," Nadia said.

As of Sunday (5/4), confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jakarta had reached 1071 cases comprising 691 cases in intensive care, 223 cases in the handling of independent isolation, 99 deaths, and 58 people cured.

ANTARA