Francisca Christy Rosana, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the level status of the public activity restrictions (PPKM) in several cities and regencies increased to level four in line with rising COVID-19 numbers due to the Omicron variant.

"Several regencies and cities are entering level four," said Luhut in a virtual press conference, Monday, Feb. 21.

The increase in PPKM status was regulated in detail in the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs (Inmendagri).

The PPKM status of several regions, particularly agglomeration areas, also increased to level three due to the hike in the hospitalization rate. They are Solo, Semarang, Jakarta Greater Area (Jabodetabek), Bali, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Malang.

However, Luhut called on the public not to panic. "What needs to be done is to maintain a healthy lifestyle," he asserted.

He asked the public to immediately complete their COVID-19 vaccination and get the booster shot. Based on previous data, Luhut said patients, especially those exposed to the Omicron variant, were those who had not received the complete vaccination course and a booster dose.

"The regional governments are asked to optimize boosters for those who already have the ticket," said Luhut.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1563177/several-cities-enter-ppkm-level-4-luhu