PSBB lasts for 14 days
The Jakarta administration is imposing large-scale social restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar, or PSBB) in a bid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
After getting his proposal to take stricter measures approved by the Health Ministry, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan announced on Tuesday night that PSBB will take effect on Friday, 10th April in the capital.
The PSBB will last for 14 days and will be extended if necessary. With the number of COVID-19 cases still on the rise, it remains to be seen whether or not the measures will extend beyond 24th April.
Essential services will remain open
Image credit: @michaeljae89
Schools, offices, places of worship, and public facilities will continue to be closed during PSBB. Meanwhile, public transportation services will be restricted to carrying half of their normal passenger capacity and their operational hours have been limited to 6AM – 6PM.
Eight essential sectors are to remain open: health and social, food, energy, banking and finance, transport and logistics, information and communications, daily-needs retailers, and strategic industries in the capital.
Number of passengers in private vehicles will be limited
Governor Anies has also said that there will be a limit to the number of passengers allowed in private vehicles. The administration is still working on the details.
Regular patrols will be conducted around the city and residents disobeying the rules will be sanctioned. Everyone is required to wear masks when out in public.
Liputan6.com reported that the government will be distributing staple food packages, or sembako, to low-income families. It will be carried out either once every two weeks or once a month throughout PSBB.
Physical distancing is crucial
Image credit: Galih Pradipta
Most of you have probably been itching to go out and hang out with your friends. However, the less serious we take the physical distancing measures, the more the virus will spread and the longer it will take for us to fight this pandemic.
Things will go back to normal soon if we all cooperate and show solidarity with one another by staying at home. We can get through this.
Also check out:
- Ojol drivers are now banned from carrying passengers
- How to DIY cloth face mask with air filters (in Indonesian!)
- Jakarta’s streets before and during the quarantine period
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