Yogyakarta Covid-19 Emergency Extended for 1 Month: Sultan HB X

TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta provincial administration is determined to prolong the Covid-19 emergency period, which begins on March 20 and will end on May 30, for a month.

“The Covid-19 emergency response period is extended starting May 30 to June 30, 2020,” said Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono through a gubernatorial decree signed on Wednesday, May 27.

Sultan reiterated that the period is subject to be extended further depending on later situation and development. He had also instructed the prevention and handling measures of adverse impacts due to the outbreak, including rescue and evacuation, isolation, protection, management, and victims’ recovery.

The Secretary of the province Kadarmanta Baskara Aji added that regional heads of five cities/regencies have agreed on the period extension. The decision contrasted with policies taken by other provinces, such as the enforcement of a new normal phase as of June 1.

According to Aji, the decision was made in consideration of the central government’s statement that the coronavirus outbreak is a non-natural disaster, so there is no time limit.

“And the community’s health. The virus transmission is still occurring in Yogyakarta, although there is no new case for the last two days,” Aji said.

Besides, the extension period of Covid-19 emergency status is not only about the health factor, but also the social economy sector. The social assistance, both cash and non-cash, will continue to be distributed to those affected people until June.

“Perhaps, Yogyakarta will enter a new normal phase in July at the soonest,” Aji concluded.

PRIBADI WICAKSONO (CONTRIBUTOR)