Dyaning Pangestika, Bandung – The rate of COVID-19 transmission in West Java has flattened since large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) were implemented in the province.
"The number of new cases has stayed at around 40 each day," West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said in a written statement received by The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
As of Thursday, West Java has recorded a total of 1,012 COVID-19 cases – the second-highest after Jakarta, the epicenter of the outbreak which recorded 4,175 cases – and 83 deaths.
The Bogor, Depok and Bekasi have been under the PSBB since April 15. The policy was extended for another two weeks on April 29. Meanwhile, Greater Bandung (Bandung, West Bandung, Cimahi and Sumedang) is implementing the PSBB from April 22 to May 6.
"I can conclude that the PSBB has been able to reduce the rate of infection because the strict policy has resulted in people refraining from going outside and gathering in public," Ridwan said.
The Jakarta Post still saw people walking the streets around Margahayu in Rancasari district, Bandung, although the number of cars and motorcycles has decreased significantly around the area.