Gibran: Easing In Malls Waits For COVID-19 Task Force Approval

SOLO - Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka invited mall managers to apply for permits to open non-essential sectors to the local COVID-19 Handling Task Force following the easing that began in the middle of PPKM level 4.

"In the Inmen (Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 30 of 2021 concerning PPKM Level 4, Level 3, and Level 2 COVID-19 in the Java and Bali Region) Solo is still at level 4 but 'nothing'. This is not a problem level or what," Gibran said in Solo, quoted by Antara, Thursday, August 12.

He said that the easing that was started in a number of sectors would later be included in the latest circular letter (SE).

"The relaxation will still be in malls, in places of worship. However, malls must wait for approval from the task force, two days (the approval)," continued Gibran.

According to him, the Surakarta City Government does not want to be too rigid in imposing various kinds of restrictions considering the situation of COVID-19 exposure in Solo City is starting to improve.

Meanwhile, based on data from the Surakarta City COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of Wednesday, August 11, there were 35 new cases of COVID-19. Thus, to date, there are 1,134 active cases of COVID-19 in Solo.

Previously, based on the Surakarta Mayor's SE Number 067/2478 concerning the Implementation of Level 4 COVID-19 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in Surakarta City, one of which regulates the implementation of activities for shopping centers/malls/trade centers to be limited in their activities.

Except for access for store employees who serve "online" sales with a maximum of three people per shop, restaurant, supermarket, supermarket, drug store until 20.00 WIB, as well as other activities with the approval of the Surakarta City COVID-19 Handling Task Force.

In addition, the same SE also lists supermarkets, supermarkets, grocery stores, voucher agents or outlets, barbershops, laundry, hawkers, small workshops, vehicle washes and other similar items that are allowed to open until 20.00 WIB with a total of maximum visitors 50 percent of normal capacity and very strict health protocols.

However, public facilities such as public areas, public parks, public tourist attractions, entertainment venues, and other public areas are still temporarily closed.