Banyuwangi Regent Not Banned Celebrations Even Though COVID-19 Clusters Emerge

BANYUWANGI - Banyuwangi Regent, Ipuk Fiestiandani, has not issued a ban on celebrations in her area. The celebration cluster has been found twice in Banyuwangi.

The celebration cluster took place in Wiringinpitu Village, Tegaldlimo District with 46 residents exposed to COVID-19. There is also a celebration cluster in Sumberasri Village, Purwoharjo District, with 14 people confirmed positive for COVID-19.

"While we don't have a ban yet, the permit requirements are strict", said Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani at Blambangan Hospital, Tuesday, June 22.

Ipuk said that celebrations can still be held as long as they comply with health protocols. If there is a celebration that violates. provisions, it will dissolve the celebration.

"If the celebration is not ready for strict procedures, we will dissolve it. Don't be angry later, this is related to gas and brakes", she said.

Ipuk has not banned this celebration as it relates to efforts to move the economy in Banyuwangi. According to her, the wedding celebration will move the economy related to catering, art entertainment to makeup artists.

"This is an economic relationship. If we tighten it later the economy will affect. We allow the community to grow the economy. If it is still violating, it will prohibit it", she said.

Currently, the increase in COVID-19 cases has an impact on the number of beds or the bed occupancy rate of the COVID-19 referral hospital in Banyuwangi.

The bed occupancy rate for the intensive care unit or ICU at 5 referral hospitals in Banyuwangi has reached 87 percent of the total 23 beds. Meanwhile, the bed occupancy rate for isolation has been filled with 44 percent of the total 203 beds.

Data from the Banyuwangi Health Office, as many as 6,902 residents were exposed to COVID-19 as of June 21. Of that number, 278 people were treated, 5,923 recovered, and 701 people died.