Jakarta – The government urges the public to pay more attention than ever to health protocols, as several regions are seeing drastic surge in Covid-19 cases.
According to the Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN), new Covid-19 infections are rising sharply in several regions.
To curb the transmission, the government asked the public to remember the '5M' mantra – wash hands with soap and running water, wear masks, and maintain a safe distance. The public must also avoid crowds, as well as limit their mobility and interactions.
"Complying with health protocols is a way to protect ourselves and those around us. Preventing Covid-19 transmission in our surroundings," KPCPEN public communication PMO coordinator Arya Sinulingga said in a press statement on Monday.
KPCPEN reported that Kudus district in Central Java is suffering from more than a thirtyfold increase in just a week. Whilst Jakarta becomes the province with the most significant increase in cases. In just ten days, the number of cases has risen by more than 300 percent.
Yogyakarta is also seeing up to 107 percent increase as it gained 445 new cases in just a day on June 10.
This week, 12 districts/cities have shifted from orange to red zones.
Among them are Banda Aceh city (Aceh), Medan city (North Sumatra), Lima Puluh Kota district and Dharmasraya (West Sumatra). As well as Siak and Kuantan Singingi (Riau), Tebo (Jambi), Ciamis and West Bandung (West Java). Also on the list are Tegal (Central Java) and Bima (West Nusa Tenggara), according to KPCPEN.
Ten orange-zone districts/cities are also close to becoming a red zone.
They are Pati, Brebes, and Semarang (Central Java), Meranti Islands and Pekanbaru (Riau), Muara Enim (South Sumatra). Other orange zones to keep watch include Tanah Datar (West Sumatra), Dairi (North Sumatera), Bintan (Riau Islands) and Central Sumba (East Nusa Tenggara).
Arya also urged the regional government and other relevant parties to once again enforce health protocols in their respective regions. They can impose stricter sanctions for protocol violators.
"Enforcing health protocols is a must to keep the public safe," Arya said.