Riau Islands COVID-19 Task Force: Praying In Mosques No Need To Keep Distance During PPKM Level 1

TANJUNGPINANG - The Riau Islands COVID-19 Handling Task Force stated that congregational prayers at the mosque in Tanjungpinang were no longer necessary after the implementation of PPKM in this city dropped from Level 3 to Level 1.

Spokesman for the Riau Islands COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Tjetjep Yudiana, said the easing of social restrictions in cities set by PPKM Level I, among others, could close ranks when praying at mosques.

"PPKM Level I means that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is small, so various policies for social restrictions are relaxed," he said, quoted by Antara, Monday, October 4.

However, Tjetjep reminded that cleanliness in the mosque is maintained together. Staff at the mosque should continue to regularly spray disinfectant, and mop the floor to keep it hygienic.

All worshipers are also required to wear masks when they are active in the mosque.

"You have to be diligent in washing your hands with soap," said Tjetjep.

Tjetjep explained that PPKM in Tanjungpinang is the only area in Riau Islands that has been assigned Level I. Six other districts and cities in Riau Islands, namely Bintan, Batam, Lingga, Natuna, Karimun, and Anambas have dropped from Level III to Level II PPKM.

The implementation of PPKM Level II in the area is almost the same as Level I in Tanjungpinang, but activities in mosques still have to keep a distance. For economic activities, such as malls, they can open from morning to 22.00 WIB.

Limited face-to-face meetings at schools can also be held, but health protocols must still be implemented.

"The relaxation of social restrictions while still implementing health protocols has a positive impact on various strategic sectors, such as the economy," he said.

Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad a day ago had sent a letter to the central government to provide dispensation for various sea and air travel requirements to increase community economic activity.

The requirement for inter-island sea travel, which requires an antigen test at PPKM Level III, can be abolished after Tanjungpinang Level I PPKM, and other areas in Riau Islands Level II PPKM. For air travel requirements, the governor asked the center to give concessions, namely that there is no need for a PCR test, but only an antigen test.

"Despite the easing of social restrictions, we must not be euphoric so that we can consistently set health protocols in our daily activities so as not to contract COVID-19," he said.