TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The national COVID-19 mitigation task force chief Doni Monardo stated that his side has not yet granted recommendation for the reopening of urban tourism, including movie theaters and night entertainment venues.

“Closed rooms with poor ventilation are at high risks [of COVID-19 transmission]. If one person [contracting the virus] sneezes in the room, others will get infected,” said Doni in a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VIII on Monday, July 13.

Doni explained that the tourism sector allowed to resume operation are outdoor tourist destinations, such as activities in mountains and tourist parks. He then asked all parties to remain patient.

“Night entertainment places must not be opened. Please, be patient,” said Doni who is also the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

According to him, no region has submitted a proposal on the reopening of movie theaters to the task force. In last night’s virtual meeting, Doni said the head of the regional tourism agency said the reopening of cinema was still on the trial process.

Besides, theaters management has not yet requested for their business to be resumed, Doni added in response to the planned reopening of cinema at the end of July.

The three-star general of the Indonesian Military (TNI) went on to say that such plans must be deliberated first with the national COVID-19 mitigation task force and reminded that indoor tourism was still at a high risk of virus transmission.

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