Not Wanting To Take Risks, Banten Governor Evaluates Face-to-Face Schools

Banten Governor Wahidin Halim (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The government has decided that all schools will enter in January 2021. However, recently the COVID-19 cases have not decreased. In fact, based on the data it continues to show improvement.

Seeing this situation, the Banten provincial government will evaluate the central government's decision. This refers to the number of COVID-19 cases in Banten which is not yet rampant.

"We are evaluating it, however, we must anticipate the future. Because until this December, those who have been exposed have not been down and down," said Banten Governor Wahidin Halim in Serang, quoted by Antara, Friday, December 11.

As a policy maker, he does not want to take risks if the face-to-face teaching and learning policy is enforced because it is feared that it will endanger school children.

"Yes, maybe the children are happy that face-to-face schools are reopening. But if it's dangerous, we as policy makers don't want to take risks," he said.

He explained that the policy could be postponed or reviewed until the condition was truly no longer dangerous.

"Yesterday we also wanted to do a 'swab' sample. We haven't done it yet. This is still being planned," he said.

Wahidin acknowledged that the spread of COVID-19 in Banten until December was still high or had not decreased.

For that, he asked residents to adhere to health protocols, namely by wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance.

In fact, his party is also ready to add more beds or treatment rooms for COVID-19 patients at Banten Hospital.

"Currently, the capacity is 80 percent filled. If it turns out to be lacking, we will add more beds. However, this is still being handled," said Wahidin.

The number of patients confirmed positive for COVID-19 in Banten as of Thursday (10/12), 14,899 people were positive, 2,124 were still being treated, recovered 12,239, and 446 people died.