TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Secretariat was installing glass shields on the oval table usually used by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to have face-to-face meetings with guests as a part of the health protocols against COVID-19 transmission.

“We set up a divider on the oval table that Bapak President will use to receive guests. It is an acrylic glass so Bapak President will have a border when facing others,” said Presidential Secretariat head Heru Budi Hartono in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, 2020.

Heru said his side would continuously step up the health protocols, thus all parties willing to meet the President must undergo prior swab tests.

However, albeit the guests have passed the swab tests before D-day, they would be asked to take rapid tests. “Even though they have taken swab tests, we will mandate them to undergo rapid tests on D-day,” Heru underlined.

The Presidential Secretariat also maintained a distance of 2-2.5 meters between the guest seats and President Jokowi’s seat.

“In addition, we mandate the use of face masks, handwashing, and they must pass the disinfectant room to ensure the health protocols at the palace,” Heru said, adding that the rooms were routinely opened to keep good ventilation and fresh air.

Read: President Jokowi Promises Mass COVID-19 Vaccination in 2021

ANTARA