TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Market Traders Association (Ikappi) recorded that 382 traders in 64 traditional markets across Indonesia have tested positive for Covid-19. Ikappi spokesman Reynaldi Sarijowan said that 25 of them died.

The market with the most sellers contracting the coronavirus is West Sumatra's Pasar Raya Padang, where 113 tested positive, and three died. Other traditional markets that have become Covid-19 clusters include Kobong Market in Central Java (28 cases), Central Kalimantan's Great Market (27), Jakarta's Perumnas Klender Market (21), and Bali's Bondalem Market (15).

Reynaldi said it is crucial for market managers to ensure safety.

"Traditional markets are a place with very high potentials for transmission due to its bargaining transaction pattern and the use of paper money. Therefore it is important to have protocols encouraging management and sellers' discipline," Reynaldi said in a press conference, Wednesday, June 3.

According to Reynaldi, Ikappi has distributed a brief protocol guide for managers and traders, which are easy to understand. Among the rules in the protocol are resetting the stalls distance between traders, taking the temperature of visitors prior to entering markets, providing plastic barriers between buyers and sellers, mandatory face masks, and physical distancing.

BISNIS.COM