COVID-19 Task Force: Regional Govts Welcomed to Apply for PSBB
Translator
Editor
9 April 2020 12:15 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The COVID-19 Task Force has evaluated the physical distancing policy to be ineffective due to its reliance on individual discipline. As a result, the COVID-19 Task Force sees the application of the Large Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) policy by regional governments as a better alternative.
Regional government’s application for PSBB will use Government Regulation No. 21 concerning PSBB and Minister of Health Regulation No. 9 of 2020 concerning PSBB Guidelines, as its legal basis.
"The (central) government is giving the Regional Governments the opportunity to apply for PSBB," said COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Ahmad Yurianto, at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Building, Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
According to Yurianto, the PSBB policy, through its law enforcement, will correct the disciplinary issues that rendered physical distancing ineffective.
"With PSBB, there is enforcement so that people are more disciplined. Since, the transmission of this disease will be in line with human activities, it needs to be limited" he continued.
In spite of this, Yurianto hoped that the public would see PSBB as a necessary restriction, as opposed to prohibition, especially due to the fact that individuals can continue with their daily activities, due to being COVID-19 positive without symptoms.
“Then, there are still numerous vulnerable groups, who ignore physical distancing, who ignores (warnings) to wash their hands. As a result, transmission continues to occur. This is the government’s consideration in enforcing it (the PSBB),” he added.
With the Ministry of Health previously approving Jakarta’s application, the capital will be under PSBB starting from Friday, April 10, 2020.
ANTARA | DIO SUHENDA (INTERN TRANSLATOR)
