DPRD Asks DKI Pemprov To Pull Emergency Brake For Spread Of COVID-19

Vaccine illustration (doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission A of the Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) of DKI Mujiyono advised the Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) to take firm steps by withdrawing the emergency brake again in the Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) policy.

This suggestion is based on data on the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Jakarta. So, there needs to be a follow-up to deal with the increase in these cases.

"Emergency brakes can also be shock therapy, (strict PSBB) 2 weeks," said Mujiyono in his statement, Sunday, January 3.

Referring to the number of additional cases per January 2, Jakarta contributed 1,894 out of 7,203 cases. In fact, the positivity rate or percentage of positive cases in the past week in Jakarta was 12.3 percent, while the percentage of positive cases in total was 8.8 percent.

Moreover, the availability of hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients is getting fewer and after the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holidays which have the potential to exacerbate the number of COVID-19 spreads.

"With the increase in the activity of traveling residents like this, there will be a potential increase in Covid-19 sufferers in early January 2021. Given that those who travel will return to work," he said.

If later the Provincial Government actually pulls the emergency brake, said Mujiyono, there must be a number of things to be looked at further. For example, building a community sense of crisis if the conditions for the spread of Covid-19 cannot be controlled.

"Announcement of the development of new cases, as was done at the beginning of the pandemic, needs to be done so that public awareness can be increased," he said.

Then, strictly limit the arrival of foreigners from countries that have reported cases of a new variant of COVID-19 and promote mass PCR swabs during the strict PSBB period. So, all will be recorded.

Furthermore, increasing the capacity of hospitals for handling COVID-19, and building cooperation with other local governments and the Ministry of Health to provide support for the provision of the necessary health personnel.

"Increase the location of self-isolation by renting hotels, apartments and flats that are possible, equipped with trained officers," he said.