Jakarta PSBB Decrease Covid-19 Cases, but Not Significant, Epidemiologist Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia Pandu Riono, said that the number of Covid-19 cases in Jakarta is just slightly decreasing. One of the main contributor of the decrease accroding to Pandu, is the strict Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB).

"Effects of the restriction is there," Pandu said on Friday, January 29, 2021.

Pandu said that people's mobility outside of their own houses are decreasing. However, the PSBB is still unable to significantly reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.

According to Pandu, the PSBB that was implemented back on April 2020, had quite a significant effect to control the spread of the corona virus. Restrictions must also be accompanied by a more stringent policy on tracing, testing, and treatment (3T) and 3M movement (wear masks, wash ahdns, and maintain social distancing).

Pandu admitted that social restrictions cannot be applied 100 percent because some sectors need to continue their activities.

"Those have activities must pay close attention to [3M]," Pandu said.

Previously, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has decided to apply a more stringent PSBB starting from January 11, 2021, until today. The decision was made in compliance to central government instructions in relation to the rapidly increasing number of positive cases.