NTB Deputy Governor Allows Citizens To Remove Masks As Long As Healthy

Deputy Governor of Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Hj Sitti Rohmi Djalilah. ANTARA/Nur Imansyah

MATARAM - The Deputy Governor of Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Sitti Rohmi Djalilah allowed residents to remove masks in open areas as long as they were healthy.

"What is conveyed by Mr. Jokowi, of course, we will follow, if it is outside the room it is okay. But remember, if you are sick, you must be aware of yourself, meaning that if you have a cough, flu, body heat, you don't wear a mask freely, you must wear a mask," he said. in Mataram quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 18.

The Deputy Governor said that currently the case of COVID-19 in NTB was continuing to decline. In fact, long before MotoGP. This is evidenced by the fact that case findings do not have to be daily and many hospitals are empty because there are no patients.

"Before MotoGP, COVID-19 cases were low, even after MotoGP there was no spike in cases, so we are grateful because the situation is conducive," said Ummi Rohmi, her nickname.

However, despite the easing from the government to no longer use masks, the Deputy Governor hopes that the public will remain disciplined in implementing the COVID-19 health protocol.

"So, I urge you to remain disciplined in health protocols," he said.

Previously, President Joko Widodo said the government had relaxed the policy on wearing masks in open areas taking into account the controlled COVID-19 pandemic.

"By taking into account the current conditions, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is increasingly under control, the Government has decided to relax the policy on the use of masks," said President Jokowi at the Bogor Presidential Palace as in a video uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Tuesday (17/5). .

However, the easing of the rules for wearing masks only applies outdoors and not in closed rooms or mass transportation.

"If people are active outdoors or in open areas that are not crowded with people, they may not use masks. However, for activities in closed rooms and public transportation, they must still wear masks," said President Jokowi.

For people who are categorized as vulnerable, elderly, or have comorbid diseases, President Jokowi still recommends wearing masks when doing activities.

"Similarly, people who experience symptoms of coughs and colds must still wear masks when carrying out activities," added Jokowi.