High Vaccination Rates And PPKM Level 1, Walkot Erman Safar Hopes Tourist Attractions In Bukittinggi To Open During The Christmas Holidays

Tourist attraction in Bukittinggi. (Photo: ANTARA DOC)

W Sumatra - Mayor of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra (Sumbar) Erman Safar hopes that tourist attractions in the area will still be allowed to open by the central government for the general public during the long Christmas and New Year 2022 holidays.

Because the activities of visitors to tourist objects can affect the economy of residents in the city of Bukittinggi, which has long been known as a tourist city in West Sumatra.

"Until December 23, 2021, we are at PPKM Level 1, our desire is of course that public places and tourist attractions remain open to the public," Erman said in Bukittinggi, Antara, Friday, December 10.

However, he said there was no certainty from the COVID-19 Task Force or the Central Government regarding the continuation of the PPKM level after December 23, 2021.

"We have not received a clear notification, but there is information that the PPKM level 3 which was previously to be used for Christmas-New Year has been revoked," he said.

According to Erman, the current vaccination rate in Bukittinggi City has reached 86 percent, which is accompanied by strict implementation of health protocols (prokes) for all residents.

"Still, the implementation of health procedures is tightened and continues to be maintained because we don't want tourist attractions and crowded places to be closed because they ignore the health procedures," he said.

Previously, the City of Bukittinggi received attention several times because it had to close all tourist attractions and crowded places due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In addition to closing tourist attractions, Jam Gadang park, which is the center of tourist visits, is also known to be fenced from May to August 2021. The Bukittinggi City Government and the Indonesian National Police in the area are always active in conducting mass vaccination activities for the community in collaboration with all existing hospitals and health centers. .