Jakarta Deputy Governor on COVID-19 Emergency Brake: Not an Easy Choice

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria said his side was facing difficult choices, particularly regarding the transitional large-scale social restrictions or PSBB following the rising number of new COVID-19 cases.

Should the government withdraw the transitional PSBB, he added, it is feared that all activities including public services will be put to a halt just like in the initial PSBB.

“It is not an easy choice. If we return to the previous PSBB, all activities will stop. We are worried that all services must be suspended too,” said Riza at the City Hall on Friday, September 4.

He added the best way chosen by the city administration was extending the transitional PSBB and releasing supporting policies such as gubernatorial regulation (Pergub) No. 79/2020.

The government also conducts massive testing and tracing to curb virus transmission. Presently, Jakarta reportedly holds up to 7,000 COVID-19 tests per day.

“We are striving to find the best solution by extending the transitional PSBB with other policies, increasing tracing, and building public awareness,” Riza remarked.

Ahmad Riza Patria added that Jakarta also opened recruitment of 1,700 health workers and increased the capacity and infrastructure in hospitals.

Read: Jakarta Deputy Governor Admits COVID-19 Infection Among City Hall Officials

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