Imam Hamdi, Jakarta – The Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission B Speaker, Abdul Aziz, argues that Governor Anies Baswedan should already "pull the emergency brake" policy by stopping the transitional large-scale social restriction (PSBB) as he deems the current COVID-19 condition is already critical.

The phrase refers to stopping the current slacked health protocols and reverting back to the full-on restriction that resembles a lockdown. He said the transitional period had caused infections to soar.

"I might argue that the current situation needs the [large-scale restriction] reintroduced. The situation is already at its critical level," said Abdul on Tuesday.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician suggested Anies Baswedan to impose policies that are situational and restrict or loosen physical restrictions according to the number of cases.

He noted that the government does have data records that help them to decide whether to continue extending the transitional period or not, which means Anies Baswedan can extend the COVID-19 transitional restriction period if deemed necessary.

"Policies must be based on data. But looking at the current situation with hospitals nearly at its full capacity, it is best to momentarily halt the transitional PSBB," said the DPRD members.

Abdul Aziz also mentioned the hard work shown by the city's healthcare workers who have sacrificed time and effort to treat COVID-19 patients, which is unfortunate that not many people see the depths the doctors and nurses go through to battle the pandemic.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1381828/pulling-emergency-brake-policy-as-covid-19-cases-soar-in-jakarta