Jakarta enters second PSBB transition
Providing a sign of cautious optimism in the battle against COVID-19, Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan announced on Sunday that Jakarta is once again moving to PSBB transition. Starting today until 25th October, the city will be loosening several social restriction measures that have been in place since September this year.
The announcement also marks a cause of celebration for cinephiles as movie theaters are allowed to reopen for the first time since March 2020.
Movie theaters allowed to open with 25 percent capacity
CGV Bandung Electronic Mall during its first day of reopening on Friday
Image credit: Zona Priangan
While in many ways similar to the PSBB transition period Jakartans had in the months of June through August, there are several changes in the current PSBB transition period. The most notable is that movie theaters are finally allowed to open for the first time in 7 months.
The number of visitors is capped at 25 percent capacity with a distance of 1.5m between each seat. None of the cinemas are open yet as of writing but with movie theater chain CGV already back in action in Bandung since last week, we expect Jakartan movie halls to follow suit.
Other indoor public activities such as art performances, museums, and weddings are good to go as well, with a similar 25 percent cap and social distancing measures in place.
Gyms back in session in the second PSBB transition phase
Virtual personal trainer program at Celebrity Fitness Indonesia during PSBB
Image credit: @meilanigand
Aside from the aforementioned activities, gyms, fitness centers, and indoor sports halls are allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity with no spectators allowed at sports events. Dine-in at restaurants is also literally back on the table with a 50 percent maximum capacity and strict health protocols in effect.
In a bid to make contact tracing easier in the event of a cluster, the government is also making ‘guest books’ mandatory for businesses. Workers and visitors are required to log their presence with their names, phone numbers, identity numbers, and time of visit being recorded.
Not every sector has given the green light though. Given the difficulties in enforcing health protocols in classrooms, educational institutions still have to rely on online classes for the time being. Jakarta’s nightlife is also still on pause with bars and karaoke clubs being designated as high-risk spots, and are therefore not allowed to open.
Observing health protocols in the second PSBB transition
After being forced to make do with online streaming websites and drive-in cinemas, the reopening of movie theaters does sound like music to our ears. With the number of daily new cases still hovering around 4,000, however, we still have to stay extra vigilant when it comes to observing health protocols.
Wear your mask at all times, always keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close by, and don’t spend time outside of your bubble any more than necessary. Do all of the above and we might just have more to celebrate in December than just New Year’s Eve.
For tips on what to do at home, check out these stories:
- 8 plant shops in Indonesia to add some green to your home
- Guide to self-isolating in Jakarta
- 8 cleaning service companies to help keep your house clean
Cover image adapted from @artown02 and Pikiran Rakyat
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